Football

Max started his football career in Melbourne Under 19′s as a tall and lanky player with a lot of heart… and good hands.

Signed as a schoolboy prodigy from The Friends School in 1966 by secretary Jim Cardwell and coach Norm Smith. Big things were expected of the gangly youngster from Hobart, Tasmania.

Max virtually went from schoolboy football into the Melbourne Football Club first 18 and proceeded to play 94 senior games in 6 years with The Demons.

In 1967 he won the Melbourne Football Club best first year player ahead of Gary Hardeman and Greg Wells. Both went on to become great players for the club But football strangely was soon to take second place in the sporting priorities of the 6′ 3 7/8″ (1.91cm) ruckman. Cricket stole his heart, talent and time.

Statistics:

• Career : 94 Senior Games 1967-72:
• 1971 Night Premiership
• He won the best first year player in 1967 and was a member of 1971 Night Premiership Team.

Quote:
“When it comes to recruits of the year, the Demons have a beauty in my book. There’s no doubt the lad who has been the greatest value to Melbourne this season has been that bulky big youngster Max Walker.

Since the days of Dennis Cordner the Demon powers have been trying to unearth a big knock ruckman and it looks as though Max will fill the bill.

The selection was easy from a star studded field.

Star of the immediate future, he gets my vote for the recruit of the year at Melbourne.”

Neil Roberts Brownlow Medalist – The Sporting Globe Saturday November 25th 1967