ADELAIDE remains confident Taylor Walker will be back in action by May at the latest, with the star forward making huge progress in his rehabilitation from a knee reconstruction.
Walker remained indoors on Wednesday afternoon as his teammates completed a light training session, focusing on skills and game simulation.
Last last year, coach Brenton Sanderson declared Walker a chance to play for the Crows in their round one clash against Geelong on March 20, less than 12 months after rupturing his ACL against Carlton in round five, 2013.
But the 23-year-old has stated he'd prefer to return to the game via the SANFL rather than slip straight into Adelaide's senior side when ready.
Regardless of where he makes his comeback, Crows football manager Phil Harper told AFL.com.au Walker was right on track for an early return.
"He's going well … the doctors haven't given a date yet on when he's to return but I wouldn't imagine it being anywhere after the 12-month period," Harper said.
"If it was just Taylor's choice he'd probably play tomorrow but he's also not stupid enough not to be guided by the doctors.
"He's done everything asked plus the different rehab he did over in America – he hasn't missed a beat all along.
"We couldn't be happier with his progress."
While 'Tex' was an obvious omission from the session on Max Basheer Reserve, others on their way back from injury looked in fine touch.
Scott Thompson moved well and has all but returned to full training after hip surgery in October, setting himself as a likely round one candidate.
Star defender Brent Reilly is completing most of training, but still avoids heavy contact as he recovers from a shoulder reconstruction while Josh Jenkins' broken ankle is but a memory, having trained fully since returning from his Christmas break.
Small forward Jason Porplyzia took several strong overhead marks in the match simulation as he looks to secure another contract past 2014.
