With North’s 2018 season complete, North Media analyses the performance of each player by using statistics, a coach review and season highlights.

Today, we focus on Will Walker.

Walker's season

The versatile speedster, who can play several roles within North’s forward six, made a seamless transition at senior level after several eye-catching performances in the VFL.

Selected with pick 23 in the 2017 National Draft, the 19-year-old impressed in his AFL debut, amassing 11 disposals, 4 marks and 4 tackles against West Coast in Round 19.

Walker was rewarded for his efforts, signing an extension until the end of 2020. 

A minor PCL injury suffered against Adelaide derailed the season of Walker, who has plans to return by day one of North’s pre-season’s preparations.

Statistics

AFL
Games: 4
Disposals: 39 (avg 9.8)
Goals: 4

VFL
Games: 12
Goals: 14
Disposals: 185 (avg. 15.4)

Season highlights

Round 20 v Brisbane: 11 disposals, 2 goals
Round 22 v Adelaide: 7 disposals, 1 goal in first quarter

What he said

After signing new deal
“I just love the feeling around the club. 

“It’s really good to have a good bond and a good connection with the boys that you know are in the same position and they’ll help you out through the rest of your career.

“It’s a really family-based club and all the boys are really welcoming and making the time here really enjoyable and they’ve also made the first nine months, for not only myself but the other first year kids, really really enjoyable and we’re all stoked to be here.”

What the coach said – Brad Scott

Ahead of Walker's debut
"I've spoken a number of times about the advantage of having our VFL team this year and being able to train up players to play specific roles so that when they come into the AFL team they can just move seamlessly into the same system.

"Will will come in and it's really exciting for him, and I expect it to give our team a really big boost too, because there's nothing like youthful exuberance."

In the news

“For Walker, the journey to AFL football has been like no other. That’s because his main focus growing up was not just on the Sherrin, but also the round ball.” - Read more

“Walker, who was a talented soccer player as a junior before deciding to pursue a career in the AFL, said he did not have to think too long before agreeing to the contract extension.” - Read more

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