Key forward Taylor Walker has been named the new captain of AFL club Adelaide, ending the four-year reign of Nathan van Berlo.

The 24-year-old Walker, who recently signed a contract extension keeping him at the Crows until at least the end of 2018, has played 84 matches and kicked 197 goals.

• Why the trade period is tearing at footy’s culture

The decision to appoint Walker as skipper is sure to increase speculation that star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield could return home to play for a Victorian club at the end of the 2015 campaign.

Dangerfield had long been seen as a likely Adelaide captain-in-waiting.

New senior coach Phil Walsh selected the captain from the club’s six-man senior leadership group, which was elected by the players prior to Christmas.

“Taylor is a quality young man and footballer,” said Walsh.

“I have said before that he thinks not what is best for himself, but what is best for the team.

“When he speaks or acts, others listen and follow suit, which is a special quality.”

Van Berlo – who had his 2014 campaign ruined by a freak pre-season Achilles tendon injury – said he looked forward to resuming his career under Walker’s leadership.

“I love the club and in particular the playing group, and am excited about being part of this new era,” said van Berlo.

“Tex has always been an influential member of our playing group and I look forward to working with him and the other leaders.”

So what number will Patty Dangerfield wear for the Catters in 2016? That's the only intrigue left so it seems. #afl

— Ashley Browne (@afl_hashbrowne) January 14, 2015