Past #27: Will Walker - delisted end '21 - 6 NM games/4 NM goals - go well Walks

[RobZombie]

Have seen him at training and in practice games do things that make you think "He's got it".

Not WOW moments, just executing basic footy skills with real class and poise.

Yeah he seems like a real one-touch sort of player from the couple of times I’ve seen him in the vfl. Too many genuine mids in that team for him to have the opportunity to rack up lots of the ball so far.

 

[Snake_Baker]

VFL: Walker's early boost

Brock Ellis May 16, 2018 7:00 PM

First-year player Will Walker is relishing the opportunity to learn from North Melbourne’s established leaders.

The speedy forward/midfielder has seamlessly transitioned into life at Arden St, continuing his development with one eye on senior selection. A string of consistent performances in the VFL has seen Walker named as an emergency for the Roos’ AFL side on several occasions. “It’s a good confidence boost [being named as an emergency] and it helps as it’s a bit of a reward for the effort I’ve put in,” Walker told North Media. “To be put into consideration for the side, but not being in the side yet, is a good feeling and it’s something I really want to work towards. “It’s the next challenge and hopefully I’ll get there. It’s about what’s best for the team.”

Since earning a place in North’s VFL side, Walker has shown his impressive ability to run and carry, helping the team gain valuable territory whenever he has the footy. This was on display last weekend in North’s curtain-raiser against Richmond at Etihad Stadium, where he raced towards the Roos’ forward 50 on several occasions to set up tall target Tristan Xerri. When probed on his playing style, Walker admitted to keeping a close eye on AFL-listed trio Shaun Atley, Kayne Turner and Shaun Higgins. “They play a bit of midfield and forward as well, apply lots of pressure, but also get forward and kick goals,” he said. “Those are probably the three that I like to watch on the track and during games.”

Like the aforementioned midfielders, Walker plays a part in assisting North’s key forwards. Despite lacking the size to rival North co-captain Michael Close and fellow forward threat Nick Larkey, he’s always first to hit the pack at ground level. “It makes it really easy for me [having tall targets],” he added. “They’re really good at bringing the ball down, which help me get the footy and also gives me a good target to kick to. They’re also good with their leading patterns, which is quite predictable for me.”

Nevertheless, as a developing player, there’s always room for growth. “My decision making and skill execution when kicking are still my two biggest areas for improvement,” Walker added. “I’ve been working quite heavily on that with the development coaches. Hopefully that continues to come along nicely and I can continue to improve.”

 

[DaveyBoy123]

I caught the very end of training on Thursday and when over half the players went in and had something to eat, while others practised their goalkicking, Gavin Brown took Will Walker aside for a good 10-15 minutes to talk to him about tackling and the subtle things that opposition players do to avoid being tackled. So I'd guess that is the main area that the coaching staff are looking for Will to improve on.

 

[Snake_Baker]

I caught the very end of training on Thursday and when over half the players went in and had something to eat, while others practised their goalkicking, Gavin Brown took Will Walker aside for a good 10-15 minutes to talk to him about tackling and the subtle things that opposition players do to avoid being tackled. So I'd guess that is the main area that the coaching staff are looking for Will to improve on.

It certainly worked because the kid displayed the best intensity I have seen in three outings this year.

 

[Billy Not Really]

This lad is all class, you can tell he's an honest hard working nice guy.

He's a pure diamond in the rough. Kudos to the list managers for plucking this kid outta nowhere.

 

[Hojuman]

Actually reminds me a bit if Issac Smith.

 

[Heaps of fun]

Sneaky chance for a debut.

 

[Pykie]

Sneaky chance for a debut.

Zurhaar has had about 13 shots on goal in the last 2 weeks of the VFL. He'd be stiff.

But I could understand them going with Walker, he's dripping with x-factor.

Geelong @ Geelong is a fair baptism of fire though.

 

[RobZombie]

Sneaky chance for a debut.

This week seems doubtful but the Sandy game was the first time I’ve thought yeah, would like to see him in the seniors soon, rather than "kid has some nice attributes".

 

[Billy Not Really]

This week seems doubtful but the Sandy game was the first time I’ve thought yeah, would like to see him in the seniors soon, rather than "kid has some nice attributes".

He's progressing faster than even the club anticipated. He's got such natural foot skills.

 

[marklovesbeer]

Wearing blue at training. Of all the photos WW was the only one wearing the opposite of what colour you’d expect (league & reserves).

Anything in it?

 

[Kangaroos4eva]

We might be going smaller up forward or turner/zurhaar has been dropped are the only reasons I can think of.

 

[The Other Dean]

Will Walker is too quick for Braydon Preuss

Well, you can colour me 'mind blown'.

Media department getting more creative by the second.

Was hoping for a Part 2 pic of the two of them competing in the Ruck with the caption - 'Braydon Preuss is too tall for Will Walker'.

 

[Snake_Baker]

Well, you can colour me 'mind blown'.

Media department getting more creative by the second.

Was hoping for a Part 2 pic of the two of them competing in the Ruck with the caption - 'Braydon Preuss is too tall for Will Walker'.

Another two inches closer and Will would be on his arse.

 

[tazaa]

Another two inches closer and Will would be on his arse.

He would be dead

 

[MaddAdam]

Really hope he plays this year.

 

[Snake_Baker]

Really hope he plays this year.

The kid will play AFL, you can back that in. A big preseason & 5 kgs of muscle and he has the skillset to arrive on the scene in a big way.

 

[MaddAdam]

The kid will play AFL, you can back that in. A big preseason & 5 kgs of muscle and he has the skillset to arrive on the scene in a big way.

Yep. Though I thought the same thing about Josh Williams this time last year.

 

[Mav]

Another two inches closer and Will would be on his arse.

I wonder if he's puzzled by the bruise on his left calf.

 

[Snake_Baker]

I wonder if he's puzzled by the bruise on his left calf.

He won't be the last bloke that ever falls over their own feet to get away from Preuss.

 

[Passmore]

He would be dead

It's a dangerous game of chicken Will is playing there.



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[Passmore]

Yep. Though I thought the same thing about Josh Williams this time last year.

I'm still waiting for Ash Watson to bulk up.

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[TennisPlayerAndy]

I'm still waiting for Ash Watson to bulk up.

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He was on the Josh Thurgood weights program.

 

[Heaps of fun]

Will Walker will play a game this year.

 

[Wayne Campbell]

What's his tank like? Wonder if he could provide a bit of pressure and spark in our forward line soon.