ADELAIDE’S star forward Taylor Walker has suffered a nasty neck injury in a 52-point AFL loss to Brisbane.
Walker was substituted out midway through the second quarter of the Lions’ 17.9 (111) to 8.11 (59) win at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
The key forward slid awkwardly into Daniel Rich’s hip and was writhing in pain on the ground before being treated by medicos.
Walker, who has kicked the second-most goals in the competition this season, was initially diagnosed with a neck strain and will have scans post-match.
“It didn’t look that good on vision so we have just got to do the right thing to make sure he’s OK,” Crows coach Matthew Nicks told Fox Footy at halftime.
Walker’s injury came as the Lions reclaimed third spot on the ladder with a convincing triumph against the 15th-placed Crows.
Brisbane’s Lincoln McCarthy slotted four goals, Charlie Cameron kicked three majors against his former club and Zac Bailey’s eye-catching 26 disposals featured three goals, nine clearances and seven inside 50s.
Midfielder Jarryd Lyons, also against his ex-club, marked his 150th AFL game with 31 disposals and 10 tackles.
Winger Mitch Robinson (27 possessions) was busy while Rhys Mathieson had 19 touches when summoned to replace Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale, who was a late withdrawal because of an ankle injury.
Adelaide’s Rory Laird, whose game-high 37 disposals included nine clearances, and wingman Paul Seedsman (21 touches, two goals) were standouts for the Crows while Reilly O’Brien (36 hit outs, 16 possessions) won the rucks.
Brisbane dominated territory in the opening half with 34 to 20 inside 50s but led by just eight points at the long break, 5.6 to 4.4.
The Lions then overpowered their hosts with six goals to three in the third term, before adding another five goals to one in the last.
(C) AAP 2021
BRISBANE LIONS 3.4 5.6 11.7 17.9 (111)
ADELAIDE 2.1 4.4 7.7 8.11 (59)
Goals: Brisbane Lions: L McCarthy 4 C Cameron 3 Z Bailey 3 D McStay 2 D Zorko 2 J Daniher 2 H McCluggage. Adelaide: P Seedsman 2 D Mackay H Schoenberg R Sloane R Thilthorpe T Doedee T Walker.
Umpires: Craig Fleer, Leigh Fisher, Hayden Gavine.
Venue: Adelaide Oval.
