Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks says Taylor Walker ‘sticking around in some capacity’

Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks has offered a confident assessment of his future at the Crows after they were knocked out of the AFL finals in comprehensive fashion by a menacing Brisbane Lions.

Nicks also promised that retiring champion Taylor ‘Tex’ Walker would be offered a role at the club next year.

The Crows were blown off the Gabba 21.18 (144) to 13.13 (91) on Saturday, giving up five goals in the first five minutes and, other than a brief period in the second quarter, failing to threaten thereafter.

Despite winning an elimination final last week against the Bulldogs, questions have continued to swirl around Nicks, who coached the team to the minor premiership last year before going out in straight sets.

“But I’m confident of where we’re at and the conversations that are ongoing with the leaders of our football club, and my colleagues, that we’ll continue to work together.”

Nicks said the team had momentum and were building something special, but had been taught a lesson by a better, more battle-hardened team with a point to prove.

He said he was aware “a lot of South Australia” would be feeling disappointed, but hoped fans would see the bigger picture.

“We are a team that’s confident we’re going to be there fighting it out,” he said.

“We need a bit of luck to come through as well, but it wasn’t a luck thing tonight. It was just a better team.

“When the scoreboard ticks over as fast as it did in the first five minutes of the game, from there you’re constantly chasing from behind.”

Nicks paid tribute to Walker, who was visibly emotional even before the game’s conclusion .

Walker kicked two goals in the final quarter when it was clear his teammates were trying to feed him the ball.

“We did say to our group, we’re not getting rid of him, so he’s sticking around in some capacity — I don’t know what that is, but it’s just been an absolute pleasure to coach him,” he said.

“We’ve had our challenges along the way, but that’s what builds an even higher respect.