WAFL Ones To Watch : Hudson Walker (Subiaco)

Every kid dreams of kicking a goal to win a game of footy.

Most picture doing it on Grand Final day at the MCG in front of 100,000 screaming fans, but what if you hadn’t yet been drafted?

Hudson Walker accomplished that feat at the highest possible level for him when he won Western Australia their first game of the AFL Under-18 National Championships by booting a goal with just seconds remaining to take a three-point lead over Vic Country.

WA went on to win by that exact margin thanks to Walker slotting the clutch goal after taking an important mark 35m out.

On top of that vital goal Walker was a standout for WA collecting 15 disposals and laying a game high eight tackles, playing an important role as a high half-forward and through the midfield.

His tackle pressure was lauded by many, but just as important were his 291 metres gained and equal team-high four clearances.

Walker, a 179cm prospect from Subiaco begun this season in the Lions League team after impressing over the preseason.

His bottom-age Colts season was a huge success, averaging 14 disposals in 17 games.

The prolonged Colts experience as a 16- and 17-year-old in 2024 allowed Walker the confidence to step into a prominent role this season.

Since going back to Colts level this year the Kingsley product has averaged nearly 19 disposals per game, including a completely dominant 24 possession and three goal performance against Perth in Round 5.

Walker hunts the football with intent and never stops attacking.

Example A1 of this was on the weekend, when he kicked that winning goal after returning to the field after an injury, which he would not let stop him from competing for his state.

As a smaller player, Walker’s determination and strength to stick tackles and use his body to battle taller and heavier opponents is admirable.

He has clean hands and shows composure in his disposal, able to drive his legs in order to launch his side inside 50 or pick out a target leading at him.

Walker was one of WA’s best leading into the Championships against the State’s Under-21’s side, where he amassed 19 disposals and won five clearances.

On that occasion he split his time between the forward line and the midfield, but as the Champs go on if he continues to produce these kinds of games and prove his importance, then he may be in line for more midfield minutes.

The way Walker goes about his craft in the midfield with a blend of strength and speed is akin to a player like Caleb Serong.

Equally ferocious at the ball and the contest, but with impressively sound touch with ball in hand, Walker and Serong both possess uniquely calm minds despite their aggressive playing nature, which allows them to win and use the football well.

After suffering a defeat to South Australia at the weekend, WA’s next home game in the Championships will be on Sunday July 6 at midday against Vic Metro, with a venue still to be confirmed.