In an unforgettable intersection of sport and television, Adelaide Crows legend Taylor “Tex” Walker was given a once-in-a-lifetime surprise from two of Australia’s most beloved Home and Away stars ahead of

his historic 300th AFL game. Thursday night’s qualifying final against Collingwood already promised to be a milestone in Walker’s decorated career—but the heartfelt messages from

Ada Nicodemou and Lynne McGranger added a layer of emotion and laughter that no fan could have anticipated.

Walker, who has become synonymous with resilience and leadership at the Adelaide Crows, has battled his way from a late-round draft pick to club captain, and ultimately, club record-holder as Adelaide’s all-time leading goalkicker. But even he couldn’t have predicted the unique send-off he received from Nicodemou and McGranger, two actors whose characters—Chloe and Marilyn—have captivated Australian audiences for decades on the long-running soap Home and Away.

Celebrity Cheers Ahead of a Historic Milestone

In a video shared on the official Crows and The Advertiser Instagram accounts, Ada Nicodemou addressed Walker directly: “Tex, I hear you are about to play your 300th game, that’s amazing. Wishing you all the best from everyone at Home and Away!”

It wasn’t just Nicodemou’s star power or Hollywood credits—including a role in the 1999 epic The Matrix—that made the video special; it was the genuine warmth and recognition of Walker’s dedication to the game. Her words, delivered with heartfelt enthusiasm, reflected not only her admiration but also the cross-generational love for AFL in Australia, bridging the worlds of sport and entertainment in a rare, memorable way.

The tribute didn’t stop there. Lynne McGranger followed with a humorous and cheeky video, giving the team and Walker himself a hearty laugh before the high-stakes match. “G’day Tex! A little bird told me it’s your 300th game coming up—that is absolutely spectacular. Of course, not as spectacular as my 33 years on Home and Away, but a fine job nonetheless,” she quipped.

She playfully acknowledged her loyalty as a Sydney Swans supporter while also rooting for Walker’s success: “I know you play for the Adelaide Crows… but I want you to know I’m going for either you guys or the Brisbane Lions—a friend of mine is a mad Lions supporter. Either way, all the best darl, to you and the team. I hope you absolutely nail it and beat Collingwood… because, ummmm, that’s what your job is… Anyone but Collingwood. Lots of love and go out there and be fabulous.”

The messages were played in front of the entire Crows squad, creating a mixture of camaraderie, inspiration, and humor—a rare moment where the glitz of television met the grit of professional sport.

From Draft Pick to Club Legend

Walker’s journey to this historic 300-game milestone is the stuff of sporting legend. Drafted at pick 75 in the 2007 national draft, he gradually rose through the ranks to captain the Crows from 2015 to 2019. Over the years, his leadership both on and off the field became a cornerstone of the club’s culture, culminating in him becoming Adelaide’s all-time leading goalkicker in 2020.

Off the field, Walker’s family life has been just as impactful. His wife, Ellie Walker, has been an unwavering source of support, regularly highlighting her husband’s work ethic, character, and devotion to their family. “He really is an extraordinary husband, dad, friend, son, brother,” Ellie wrote in a heartfelt tribute. “Taylor is one of a kind and I feel so grateful to be riding this wave with him and supporting him through all of this… Reaching 300 games is a fantastic milestone. To be leading goalkicker and everything he’s achieved, he deserves this milestone so much because I see how hard he works, as well as being an amazing hands-on dad.”

Her words capture the duality of Walker’s life: celebrated professional athlete and devoted family man. “I’m the proudest wife, and I hope he has the best time out there. He’s not only an amazing footballer, he’s an extraordinary husband and human,” she concluded, encapsulating the admiration and pride that has followed Walker throughout his career.

Reflections from the Coach

Even Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks admitted that Walker’s achievements have often surpassed his expectations. In an emotional reflection during an in-house tribute to Walker, Nicks acknowledged a misjudgment in his earlier assessments of the veteran’s performances. “There are times I’ve stood in front of you guys and said: ‘I think Tex has played some of his best footy in the last few years,’” Nicks told reporters. “I got that wrong. Going back over his 300 games, there’s some footy he played through there that is just on another level again. It was nice to go back, even as a coach who has watched a lot of footy, and see it again and see how good he has been across the journey—and it has been a long one.”

Nicks’ reflections underscore Walker’s consistency, resilience, and capacity to inspire teammates—a trait that has endeared him not only to his club but to the broader football community in South Australia and beyond.

Joining the Elite 300-Game Club

Walker’s milestone places him among an elite group of Adelaide Crows legends. At 35 years old, he becomes the fifth player in the club’s history to reach 300 games, joining Andrew McLeod (340), Tyson Edwards (321), Mark Ricciuto (312), and Ben Hart (311). “He’s huge for our football club and he’s huge for the state,” Nicks said.

The coach also noted Walker’s broader impact beyond the footy field. “There’s a lot out there about maybe things, mistakes, that he may have made across the journey. But there’s so many positives, things that Tex has done for our community, especially, and outside of footy. We were able to look at that… see some of the things he’s done across that journey, and why he’s put up on a pedestal and why people love to watch him, both on and off the field.”

The Cultural Impact of the Surprise Messages

The video messages from Nicodemou and McGranger are more than just fanfare—they reflect the growing intersection of pop culture and sport in Australia. For fans, seeing two of the country’s most iconic soap stars reach out to a sports hero creates a moment that transcends AFL statistics and records. It’s a reminder of how athletes can inspire across mediums, and how television and sport can come together to celebrate human achievement.

Walker himself was reportedly touched by the surprise, noting the light-hearted humor and warmth that came through in both messages. The playful banter, particularly McGranger’s gentle jab at Collingwood, highlighted a softer, human side of elite sports—a reminder that even in the midst of high-pressure finals, there is room for joy, laughter, and camaraderie.

Looking Ahead

As Walker takes to the field for his 300th game, he carries with him not only a record of outstanding athletic achievement but also the heartfelt support of family, teammates, and even icons from the world of entertainment. Thursday night’s qualifying final against Collingwood promises to be historic—not only as a marker of Walker’s longevity and success but as a celebration of his journey, resilience, and impact on the game and the broader community.

Whether he kicks the winning goal, rallies his teammates, or simply soaks in the milestone, Walker’s legacy is secure. He has proven time and again that elite athletes are more than statistics—they are family men, leaders, and inspirations to the next generation. And thanks to Ada Nicodemou and Lynne McGranger, Walker has also experienced the rare thrill of being celebrated by stars from another stage, bridging worlds and creating a moment that will be remembered long after the final siren.

From draft pick to club legend, from teammate to family man, Taylor “Tex” Walker’s 300th game is more than just another fixture—it is a celebration of dedication, resilience, and the surprising ways in which life can honor those who give it their all.