An “emotional” Taylor Walker has backed Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks to remain at the helm after helping the Crows end their finals drought against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.

Walker, who is retiring at the end of the season, kicked a crucial goal in the final quarter to help his side over the line.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Taylor Walker celebrates Nicks’ first finals win

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It was Adelaide’s first finals win since making the grand final in 2017 and potentially saved Nicks his career given 7NEWS reporter Tom Morris revealed earlier in the week that the coach’s job was on the line.

For Walker, it was his final game at Adelaide Oval.

“A little bit emotional, mate, but also lots of gratitude,” Walker told Seven after the game.

“They came at us quite well at the end there, we just had to hold our nerve. They’re a great side.

“I’m going to miss this place. You heard how loud it was when we got in front, even now.

“But we get to go on and play another final. We knew we were ready for it. It’s a different journey to last year.”

Taylor Walker speaks to Seven after the match. Credit: Seven

Walker tried to shy away from his moment and couldn’t resist making a comment to Morris about his report earlier in the week.

“Just so grateful for the opportunity this footy club gave me,” he said.

“But in saying that it’s not about me, it’s about this footy club and we’ve got three more games to go. Much to your disgust!”

Morris: “No, I’m happy for you!”

Walker: “Nicksy will be here, don’t you worry about that. We answered the critics, didn’t we? Really, really stoked, mate. That was awesome.”

The pair exchanged more words about the “outside noise” during the week, all said with a smile on their faces, it must be said.

Walker then brought his kids in to soak up the atmosphere as he reveled in his first finals win in nine years.

“You can tell what it meant to the fans ... I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to play so many games of footy at this great ground,” he said.

“It’ll be my last one here, but we’ve still got a few more games to go.”

The 36-year-old then led his teammates off to a standing ovation from his adoring fans.

While it was Walker’s final game at Adelaide Oval, it’s not the final game of his career.

The Crows will now square off against Brisbane at the Gabba in a cut-throat semi-final.

Nicks hailed Walker for “putting the football club first” throughout his career.

“He’s a legend. He and I have had a huge relationship all the way through, just learning from each other in different parts of life,” Nicks told Seven after the game.

“He’s been as good as any these past 12 months especially for what’s been a challenging period (for him in deciding his future)

“I think it’s an incredible way that he is going to complete his career — when we get another three for him — I believe in karma and you get what you deserved.

“He has put the football club first and also finish the right way in his career.”