TAYLOR Walker will again captain Adelaide this season, but the Crows have added a new face to their leadership group. 

The Crows have cut back the group of leaders from six players to four for 2018, with Walker remaining skipper for a fourth season and Rory Sloane his vice-captain. 

Forward Tom Lynch has also retained his place in the leadership group, with All Australian midfielder Matt Crouch included for the first time. 

Having been in last year's group, superstar Eddie Betts and Daniel Talia are no longer members, while Scott Thompson has retired. 

The club said the smaller leadership group would be assisted by smaller groups of players who would "take responsibility for different portfolios across the football program".

Follow the leader: Your club's men in charge

Adelaide football manager Brett Burton said the Crows expect to see benefits from cutting down the size of their leadership group. 

"We firmly believe this approach maximises the impact and influence each individual can make to our program, but also fast tracks their leadership development," Burton said in a statement.

"Ultimately, every player has a responsibility to drive the standards at our club so we can give ourselves the best chance of success."

Crouch's ascent internally matches his rise to being one of the premier midfielders in the competition, after claiming the Crows' best and fairest last season following a terrific year that saw him average 33 disposals. 

Crows coach Don Pyke said the elevation was reward for the 22-year-old's development.

"Matt is the youngest member of the group and his elevation reinforces the progress he has made in the past couple of years and allows us to build one of our younger leaders," he said.