Joshua Walker Biography

Kangaroo recruit Josh Walker says he was forced to look for a new club after being told by the Lions that his services were no longer required.

"It's a consideration, a possibility (that your career might be over), but myself and my management were always confident I could get somewhere else," Walker said.

"I played some good footy last year and I was hopeful and confident that would be enough for someone to give me another chance.

"There were a couple of other clubs interested but I just felt North was the best fit. Obviously, with Scotty Thompson retiring, there's a hole down back, which suits me.

"Intercept marking is something (coach Rhyce Shaw is) strong on and he wants me to back myself to win back the ball if I can and get the attack started."

North Melbourne signs Josh Walker as a delisted free agent.

"I definitely thought I'd get another crack at it somewhere," Walker said.

"I definitely feel like I still have a lot to offer so I suppose you've got to be optimistic. I always was hopeful that something would work out and was lucky enough; North were great about it and couldn't be happier with how it's worked out."

Brisbane delist Ben Keays, Josh Walker and Ryan Bastinac.

"All three players have been dedicated contributors to our football club on and off the field over the last three to four years and we thank them for their contribution," Brisbane football boss David Noble said.

"As young men, they have all been a pleasure to have at our club where they have been well respected and liked by our playing group. It is always hard to let good people go and we would hope that Ryan, Ben and Josh get another opportunity through the delisted free agency mechanism."

Josh Walker signs a new one-year deal to remain with Brisbane in 2019.

"Signing on for another year was never in doubt for me. I don’t want to be anywhere else," Walker said.

"I can’t speak highly enough of the people around the club and the playing group. We are a very tight-knit group."

In the 1960s, Fred Wooller and Peter Walker were two of the biggest names in Geelong. They were instrumental in helping the Cats to the 1963 premiership.

Now, more than half a century later, their grandsons will be teammates in 2018 for the Brisbane Lions.

Josh Walker has been at the Gabba for two seasons since being traded by Geelong in 2015, and when Toby Wooller was taken with the 41st pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, the family names would again be linked.

"When the name got called out by Brisbane, grandpa was at my house and he mentioned to me that our grandparents played together in the '63 flag," Wooller told AFL.com.au

"Gees, it's a small world.

"That night I got a message from Walks and he said the same. It's crazy to think our grandparents played together and now we've got an opportunity to play together."

With Walker's grandfather passing away in 2010, it was left to someone else to point out the family history.

"My nan sent me a message straight away and said: "that's Fred's grandson"," Walker said.

"I met Fred a few times – that was part of being at Geelong.

"They'd remained friends after footy. He was always good enough to take an interest in my career at Geelong."

Almost three months in his new city since being traded from the Cats, Josh Walker says he's loving life and relishing the fresh start at Brisbane.

"Getting traded and moving clubs was something I was nervous about and a bit daunting, but the Lions really have made it super easy for me," Walker said.

"I was at Geelong for five years, it was everything I knew. Being a local Geelong boy as well, I'd never lived outside of Geelong, so it's been a bit different, but the club has been fantastic."

New Lion Josh Walker says he wants to be the main target up forward.

"If I can be a regular performer and deliver on a regular basis, then I think that's my job done," Walker said.

"I'll be playing as that key forward. If I can provide a target and someone for the midfielders to go to, that's the best thing I can do."

Cats pair Josh Walker and Jarrad Jansen will join the Brisbane Lions for a future third-round draft pick.

Geelong has announced it will elevate rookies Josh Walker and George Burbury to its senior list for 2014.

"Both Josh and George are terrific people who we believe can play significant roles for this football club going forward," Geelong football manager Neil Balme said.

"Despite their age, both were leaders in our VFL side and have shown they have the ability to take the step up to regular AFL football."

Elevated rookie Josh Walker is facing a long spell on the sidelines after scans showed he suffered a serious shoulder injury in the VFL on the weekend.

"He's got a significant AC (joint) injury, so he certainly won't be playing for a few weeks, and it could be longer than that. We're not sure yet," Cats coach Chris Scott said.

Joshua Walker makes his AFL debut for Geelong at the MCG with 9 disposals (5 kicks and 4 handballs), 4 marks, 4 tackles and 2 hitouts in a 31-point loss to Collingwood.

Geelong has elevated teenage big man Josh Walker and mature-age midfielder Jackson Sheringham to its senior list.

"I had a really good pre-season and played a couple of games in the NAB Cup, which really helped my confidence," Walker said.

"Since then I've had a lot more confidence in myself to go for my marks and take the game on. I think it's showing in the amount of marks I'm taking this year compared to last year."