Taylor Walker: Age, Wife, Children, Suspension & Net Worth

Taylor Walker has spent 18 seasons running out for the Adelaide Crows, but these days his toughest opponent might be the bedtime routine. The 34-year-old forward from Broken Hill has built an AFL career that few can match—313 games, a Coleman Medal, and a captaincy—while also raising three children with his wife Ellie, and this guide covers his career, family, 2021 suspension, and what comes next for the man they call Tex.

Birth date: 25 April 1990 ·
Height: 192 cm ·
Nickname: Tex ·
Total AFL games: 313 (as of 2024) ·
Current team: Adelaide Crows

Twelve key facts, one snapshot: Taylor Walker’s career is defined by longevity, controversy, and a family that keeps him grounded.

How many children does Taylor Walker have?

Taylor Walker and his wife Ellie have three children. The eldest, Hugo James, was born in November 2019. Their second son, Louis Jack, arrived in January 2021. Their daughter, Harriet (Hattie), was welcomed in October 2022 (Adelaide FC official profile).

Are Taylor Walker’s children with his wife Ellie?

Yes, all three children are with Ellie Walker, his wife. The couple married in 2018 or 2019, and Ellie is a former netballer (Wikipedia).

What are the names and ages of his kids?

• Hugo James Walker – born November 2019 (age 5 as of 2025)
• Louis Jack Walker – born January 2021 (age 4)
• Harriet “Hattie” Walker – born October 2022 (age 2)

Walker has spoken about how fatherhood changed his perspective on footy. In a March 2025 club feature, he said: “Fatherhood has levelled me out a little bit” (Adelaide FC feature).

The implication: children have given Walker a reason to see footy as a job, not an identity.

Why has Taylor Walker been suspended?

In August 2021, Taylor Walker was suspended for six matches by the AFL after making a racist comment toward North Adelaide player Robbie Young during a SANFL match (Fox Sports Australia). The penalty also included a $20,000 fine donated to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program, plus mandatory education training (ABC News).

What happened during the 2021 incident?

Walker used a racial slur directed at Young, who is of Aboriginal descent. The comment was reported to the AFL, and Walker accepted the penalty without contesting it (Fox Sports Australia). He later said the hardest part was seeing the pain it caused his family, especially his wife (Fox Sports Australia).

How long was his suspension?

The six-match ban ruled Walker out of the final three games of the 2021 season and the first three games of the 2022 season (ABC News). Prior to the suspension, he had kicked 48 goals in 17 games that year (ABC News).

The trade-off: a career that nearly ended in disgrace was salvaged by accountability, but the trust of many fans took years to rebuild.

Who is Taylor Walker’s wife?

Taylor Walker is married to Ellie Walker (née unknown). Ellie is a former netballer from South Australia. The couple married in 2018 or 2019, and they have three children together (Wikipedia).

How did Taylor Walker meet his wife?

Walker and Ellie met through mutual friends in Adelaide. Details of their early relationship are private, but Ellie has been a visible support at Crows games and events (Adelaide FC).

When did they get married?

Reports indicate the wedding took place in late 2018 or early 2019 (Wikipedia). The exact date has not been widely publicised.

Why this matters: Ellie has been a steadying force during Walker’s suspension and career transitions. In the 2025 club feature, Walker said he wants to “be a Dad, not so much a sportsman” when he leaves the club (Adelaide FC feature).

Where is Taylor Walker now?

As of the 2025 season, Taylor Walker remains an active player for the Adelaide Crows, entering his 18th AFL season (Adelaide FC feature). He has not announced retirement, though speculation continues.

Is Taylor Walker still playing for Adelaide?

Yes. Walker is contracted with the Crows and has not indicated he will leave. The club stated in 2021 that he would stay under contract, and he has played every season since (ABC News).

Has he announced retirement?

No official announcement. At 34, Walker is in the twilight of his career, but he has not set a date. The focus on fatherhood suggests he may prioritise family over a farewell tour (Adelaide FC feature).

The pattern: Walker’s career is following a familiar arc for veteran forwards—he’s still effective, but the body is older and the priorities have shifted.

Why is Taylor Walker called Tex?

The nickname “Tex” comes from the character Tex in the Australian film The Castle (1997). The name stuck early in his career and has been his on-field identity ever since (Wikipedia).

What is the origin of the nickname Tex?

Walker’s teammates gave him the nickname because of his resemblance to the character—a blue-collar, no-nonsense type. The nickname also suits his mullet hairstyle, which has become a signature look (Wikipedia).

Does his mullet relate to the nickname?

Yes. The mullet is part of the “Tex” persona—a playful, old-school Aussie look that Walker has maintained for years. It’s become a fan favourite at Adelaide Oval (Adelaide FC).

The catch: the nickname is a badge of authenticity—Walker is exactly what he appears to be: a country boy who made it big without changing who he is.

Timeline

• 1990 – Born in Broken Hill, New South Wales (Wikipedia)
• 2006 – Signed as Adelaide’s first AFL NSW Scholarship player (Adelaide FC)
• 2009 – AFL debut for Adelaide Crows (Adelaide FC)
• 2018–2019 – Married Ellie Walker (Wikipedia)
• 2021 – Suspended six matches for racial slur (Fox Sports Australia)
• 2024 – Still playing; retirement speculation (Adelaide FC feature)

The sequence shows a career defined by steep highs and a public low, followed by a slow, steady rebuild.

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

Quotes

“Fatherhood has levelled me out a little bit.”

— Taylor Walker, March 2025, Adelaide FC feature

“Taylor Walker will remain with the club and continue under his contract.”

— Adelaide FC spokesperson, September 2021, ABC News

Walker’s own words draw a clear line: his identity is shifting from athlete to father, and the football world is watching.

For a deeper look at his career and contributions beyond the numbers, Taylor Walkers AFL journey provides a comprehensive overview of his time with the club.

Frequently asked questions

For the Adelaide Crows and their fans, the decision is clear: enjoy Walker while he’s still on the field, because the next chapter—fatherhood full-time—is already written. For the AFL, his story is a case study in accountability and redemption. Either way, Taylor Walker has shown that a career can survive a crisis, and a life can be redefined by the people waiting at home.