Adelaide coach Don Pyke has launched a spirited defence of his co-captain Taylor Walker, saying the AFL industry is too quick to "pot" players.
Walker has endured a week in the spotlight after appearing to dodge contact in a contest last weekend with West Coast captain Shannon Hurn.
Some pundits including Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton have questioned the courage of Walker, who has admitted his action doesn't set a good example for his teammates.
Pyke has spoken with Walker about the fallout from the incident.
"As he said, he would probably like his time again - he would act differently," Pyke told reporters on Friday.
"But we have got to be really careful in this industry. We want to pot a guy on an incident.
"He has been an outstanding player for us; he is a wonderful leader of our footy club.
"He didn't have his best day last week.
"But before that, the game against Brisbane, he was one of the dominant forwards, if not the most dominant forward on the ground - six shots on goal and five contested marks."
Pyke sensed Walker was keen to make amends against Melbourne in Saturday night's fixture in Darwin.
"(He) had it tough earlier in the week but is looking forward," Pyke said.
"This industry, we are dealing with people and people have a range of emotions ... so talking to him about that is natural.
"We move on and get ready for the next game. That's the thing, the game doesn't really wait.
"He gets another crack on Saturday night to lead the footy club."
