Australian Football

Although he was by no means a stylish footballer Essendon’s William Walker was almost invariably effective. A case in point was the 1911 VFL grand final when he played the supporting ruckman’s role to perfection and contributed a crucial goal to the Same Old’s 5.11 to 4.11 grand final defeat of Collingwood. Walker undertook the same role a year later when Essendon scored a 5.17 to 4.9 challenge final victory over South Melbourne. Always a formidable presence when resting in a forward pocket, he was his club’s leading goal kicker in 1915, albeit with the comparatively meagre tally of just 14 goals. Between 1911 and 1915 Walker played 66 games for Essendon and scored 53 goals.

Author - John Devaney