Jimmy Bartel defends his criticism of Taylor Walker, rejects suggestions of bias against Adelaide

Jimmy Bartel has doubled down on his criticism of Adelaide, rejecting suggestions there’s a Victorian bias against the Crows in the media.

It comes after the three-time premiership star questioned a barb from Taylor Walker that Jake Lever had chosen “money over success” by pointing out that Walker hadn’t enjoyed success, either.

Speaking on Sportsday, the former Geelong ace said he “actually agreed with a lot” of what Walker had said.

“He’s putting on that strong leadership front as skipper and you want to put it out there that you’re with us or against us mentality – I like that,” Bartel explained on 3AW.

“But there’s nothing guaranteed in this game – you cannot guarantee success in footy – we saw it with the Bulldogs missing the eight.”

The 2007 Brownlow medallist said the Crows were starting to develop form in the area.

“You put that on the back of what Josh Jenkins said to Patrick Dangerfield,” Bartel pointed out.

Early in the finals, Jenkins had a dig at his good mate and former teammate, suggesting Dangerfield could have won a Brownlow and premiership if he didn’t leave the Crows.

“I’m a bit old school when it comes to that,” Bartel said.

“You work quietly, you back yourself in for success but then you let your performance do the talking.

“They haven’t achieved it as a team yet, Adelaide.”

Click PLAY below to hear Jimmy Bartel and Dwayne Russell discuss the Crows

Bartel dismissed claims there’d been an ‘anti-Adelaide’ bias in Victoria with the Lever standoff, as well as Charlie Cameron’s desired move to Brisbane.

“It’s got nothing to do with that,” he said.

“You’re actually providing the news for us.

“We’re just commenting on it.”

Bartel said he couldn’t understand why the Crows weren’t trying to sell a positive message by gaining a strong hand in the draft after playing off in a grand final.

By JAKE BOURKE