By RUSSELL BENNETT
THE rumour mill was in overdrive recently with reports that former Pakenham Football Club gun Luke Walker was set for a return to the Lions’ den in 2015.
But the Kooweerup skipper himself put those rumours to bed officially on Friday at the Demons’ best-and-fairest night, announcing he was staying on at Denham’s Road.
It’s a massive boost to the beaten grand finalist, which is also looking to secure other top flight talent for another tilt at the Ellinbank and District title next year.
If Walker opted to leave other Kooweerup stars might have followed suit but his announcement instead looks like the first domino to fall in what could be an exciting off-season for the Demons.
Kooweerup committeeman Gary King said he was “thrilled” with Walker’s announcement.
“He’s just fitted in so well at the club in his time there so far,” King said, adding he was excited that some potential recruits had sought out the Demons for a chat – a real turnaround from just a few seasons ago.
Walker enhanced his already stellar reputation as one of the local area’s best players by taking out his first Alf Walton Medal as the best and fairest player in the Ellinbank and District Football League’s West this season.
He went from strength to strength as the year progressed, finishing with a flurry to take the award with 20 votes over his nearest rival Brendan Hermann from Nar Nar Goon. Walker, a multiple-time VCFL representative, coupled his win in the Alf Walton by also taking out the West’s MVP trophy.
But he was out of luck at the Demons’ awards night on Friday with Tim Miller winning the senior best-and-fairest ahead of older brother Ben.
It’s believed Walker was just about over the line for a return to Pakenham and only told Demons coach Matt Shorey of his decision to stay shortly before their club’s best-and-fairest night.
