Adelaide forward Taylor Walker has inked a new deal to remain at the Crows until the end of the 2018 AFL season.

Walker was to have come off contract after next season and qualify for free agency.

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But the 24-year-old on Tuesday announced he had recommitted to the Crows.

“I love the club and, in particular, this playing group and have great confidence about the future,” Walker said in a statement.

“This announcement has been in the pipeline for a long time and I am pleased to have it sorted so I can concentrate on my footy.”

Adelaide’s new head coach Phil Walsh has hailed the re-signing of the key attacker, who has kicked 197 goals in 84 AFL games.

“Taylor is a genuine team-first player who has a positive impact on the playing group,” Walsh said in a statement.