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MELBOURNE, Australia -- Adelaide captain Taylor Walker insists his side has grown enormously since its heartbreaking grand final loss to Richmond five months ago. The Crows -- who were hunting a third club premiership -- finished the 2017 home and away season on top of the ladder but crumbled to the Tigers in a stunning grand final, eventually losing by 48 points. Speaking at Thursday's captains' day in Melbourne, Walker said the playing group got together after the loss to discuss what went wrong at the MCG and how it could be rectified for 2018. "We learned a lot as a footy club and as individuals," Walker said. "We've spoken about it as well which was great as it enabled blokes to put their feelings and views out on the table and really allow everyone to move forward. "We've been able to train in the preseason and work on those things, but you've just got to move forward, that's part of what it is." When asked if he's taken some time to re-watch the grand final, Walker admits it's still very raw and emotional.  "I've watched parts [but] it's devastating so I haven't been able to watch it all," he said. "Round 1 is in 12 days so we'll look forward to that." Walker did not take part in preseason as he's currently nursing a foot injury which could also keep him out of the Crows' season-opener against Essendon next Friday night. However, the 27-year-old believes he's all but certain to be leading his side out when he returns to Etihad Stadium. "I should be fine," Walker said. "I've got a bit of experience under my belt so I know what it takes to be able to get my body right and be able to have an impact. Experience, you can't buy it."
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