'Never forgotten where he's from': Outback community pride for Crows legend

Outback community pride swells as AFL legend Taylor Walker retires, with the Adelaide Crows star expressing a deep desire to return to his roots in Broken Hill. Walker, who spent 19 seasons with the Crows, announced his retirement on Monday. The 36-year-old, who started his career in the New South Wales outback town, aims to win a premiership with his local team, the North Broken Hill Bulldogs, next year. "I've said to my two best mates that are still playing back in Broken Hill that I want to go and try and win a premiership back there," Walker stated during his retirement speech. His childhood friend, Jayden Kelly, confirmed Walker's ambition and expressed the local community's eagerness to welcome him back. Kelly, who played junior football with Walker, emphasized the significance of Walker's career for young people in Broken Hill. "He's really put us on the map," Kelly said, highlighting how Walker's success demonstrates that dedication and hard work can lead to achieving dreams, even for those from small, remote towns. Walker's father, Wayne, proudly noted his son's enduring connection to his hometown and friends, stating, "He's always never forgotten where he come from. His mates are so dear to him, it's not funny, they keep him grounded."

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I've said to my two best mates that are still playing back in Broken Hill that I want to go and try and win a premiership back there, so we'll try and do that next year.