Those who looked closely at the Bloods Senior team yesterday would’ve noticed the ‘Walker’ name listed four times. No, it wasn’t a mistake! Brothers Jack, Riley and Lachlan all played in the same team for the first time, joined by their cousin Daniel in the Senior team for yesterday’s road trip to Ballarat.
Youngest brother Lachlan, who is also captain of our Under 18s team, forced his way into the senior team for his debut after a string of good games at Under 18 level and interleague representation earlier in the year. He played with maturity and poise in the backline in his senior debut impressing Senior Coach Brad Murphy. “It was one of the best debuts from a 17 year old at local level I’ve seen” Murphy said. “He was composed, made good decisions every time and his skill execution was good. I’m not sure how he wasn’t named in our best players!”.
The timing of older brother Jack and cousin Daniel was perfect – both have been sidelined with injuries in recent weeks – but got themselves right to be a part of Lachlan’s first senior game.
For Jack it was an opportunity he’s waited for since the days growing up playing footy in the back yard. “It was a great feeling to be playing alongside the two brothers and cousin for the first time” Jack said. “It was also good to see Daniel getting through his first senior game after a year and a half out through injury. But more importantly we got the win”.
Lachlan’s pre-game nerves didn’t last long, starting on the ground and getting a few spoils in early. “I was always going to be nervous but they settled once we got started” he said. And he pulled up so well after the game that he made a quick dash down the highway to be part of his usual Sunday night basketball team.
The impact the Walker family are making on the club hasn’t been lost on senior coach Brad Murphy. “Jack is just a hard working machine who will run until he can’t run anymore. Well prepared and a great leader. Riley can play tall or small, and Daniel is just a truck”.
Football Manager Brad Jamison has been similarly impressed. “We’re very fortunate to have so many sets of brothers involved in the footy club. I think it’s around 7 or 8 at senior and reserves level and they all come from excellent families. This year we’ve had the Walker brothers, Kight brothers and Hickey brothers play senior footy together. I know all of them have treasured the opportunity to play footy in the same team. They may have all been competitive in the back yard growing up but it’s been particularly noticeable how the older brother looks out for his little brother on the field!”.
One things for sure, Bloods fans should get used to seeing the Walker name in the team for many years to come.
Last Modified on 20/06/2016 19:14