Connor O’Sullivan is tackled by Taylor Walker during the Round 13 match between Adelaide and Geelong at Adelaide Oval on June 4, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

ADELAIDE will challenge the one-match ban handed to veteran Taylor Walker for pushing a Geelong opponent into a contest.

Former Crows captain Walker shoved Connor O'Sullivan into the oncoming path of Jordan Dawson and Mark O'Connor as the pair were about to contest a mark.

Dawson and O'Connor fell to the ground, with the current Adelaide captain left clutching at his hip.

Match Review Officer Michael Christian graded the incident as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact, drawing a one-game ban.

The Crows said on Saturday they would challenge, trying to clear Walker ahead of Thursday night's clash against the Western Bulldogs.

00:43

'The AFL don't like this': Commentators weigh in on Walker nudge

A potential push from Taylor Walker becomes a talking point after a pack collision sends players to ground

"We had a brief look but we didn't go back and watch it. I'm hoping there wasn't much in it," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said after the match.

"I probably can't comment on it too much. I haven't had a good enough look."

Former AFL stars Nick Riewoldt and David King were among the commentators who felt Walker would be in trouble.

"It's an absolute no-no, pushing players," King said on Fox Footy.

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"You're not allowed to push players into the traffic like that. He's in some bother.

"Not a lot in it but you don't have to do a lot in that instance."

Meanwhile, star Cat Tom Stewart escaped sanction for his bump on Callum Ah Chee, with the MRO saying contact was made "predominantly to the body".

Geelong forward Jack Martin can accept a $2000 fine after being cited for rough conduct on Josh Worrell, while James Peatling can accept a $1875 fine for engaging in a wrestle with Bailey Smith.

00:25

'I hope I didn't get him high': Star Cat faces nervous wait after heavy contact

Tom Stewart speaks at half-time after his collision with Callum Ah Chee leaves the Crow slow to get up

Incident explained:
The incident involving Geelong’s Tom Stewart and Adelaide’s Callum Ah Chee from the Second Quarter of Thursday night’s match was assessed by the Match Review Officer. Ah Chee leaps into the air and knocks the ball forward whilst Stewart is positioned in front of him. Stewart gets to a near stationary position and braces for contact as Ah Chee’s momentum makes contact inevitable. Contact is made predominantly to the body. It was the view of the MRO that Stewart’s actions were not unreasonable in the circumstances and did not constitute a reportable offence. No further action was taken.