She’s a former Blue who once had high-level basketball aspirations but Daisy Walker says there’s no place she’d rather be than playing footy at the GIANTS.
Originally taken by the Blues with pick 28 in the 2020 AFLW Draft, Walker joined the GIANTS in December as a delisted free agent following 31 AFLW games across four seasons in navy blue.
A versatile defender who can also play as an attacking half-back or wing,
the 22-year-old has wasted no time in settling into her new club following an impressive showing in all five of the club’s recent VFLW games.
Hailing from Melbourne, Walker says she’s loving her newfound life as a GIANT after making the move to Sydney in February where she’s now housed with recent draftees Kaitlyn Srhoj and Indigo Linde.
“I’ve been loving it so far, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” she said.
“The girls and all the coaches have been so welcoming and making me feel a part of the team already, plus the weather is a lot nicer in Sydney,” she laughed.
A talented junior basketballer who had goals of playing college ball in the United States, Walker switched to footy as a 15-year-old to follow in the footsteps of her older brother Will Walker, who played six games for the Kangaroos between 2018-21.
“He played footy his whole life so he made me think maybe I could give it a go,” Walker said reflecting on her switch to footy in high school.
“I guess I’ve always looked up to him and the fact that he got to the highest level and got drafted so that was something that opened up my eyes that this could be an avenue for me too which is quite nice. I’m very happy I made that switch [to footy].”
At the club for almost five months now, Walker says she’s excited about the upcoming AFLW season, pointing to a trio of teammates who have caught her eye.
“I think we’ve got a solid side that can make an impact this season but also one that has the potential to grow and build as a team in the coming seasons.
“It’s nice being on the same side as some of them rather than against them,” she added regarding her new teammates.
“Players like Georgia Garnett and Tarni Evans, and ‘Cambo’ [Cambridge McCormick] as well, it’s been quite nice being on their team rather than having to play against them.
“Not having to run after ‘G’ [Garnett] and trying to tackle her, but rather cheering her on and telling her to go kick goals, is much nicer.”
Walker is also thrilled with her new coach Cam Bernasconi who will enter his third season in charge of the GIANTS’ AFLW side this season.
“He’s a great coach and I’m loving him so far,” she said.
“He’s sort of everything that you would want in a coach. He is welcoming, warm, and encouraging but also knows when to switch and tell us to level up and go for it.
“He has that side where you can have a connection with your coach which helps build the team environment which is really nice to have.”
Capable of playing several roles , Walker says it’s as a lockdown defender where she thrives the most and where she wants to earn her place in Bernasconi’s side this upcoming AFLW season.
“I played that role [lockdown defender] a bit at Carlton and it’s where I play my best footy and where I feel most part of the team so I’m loving that role here,” she said.
“I know we are a team full of so much talent and hard work and it won’t be easy to get selected, which is what you want in a team, but I’m aiming for that round one debut, but we’ll wait and see.”
Walker is one of eight new GIANTS for the upcoming AFLW season which will get under way with an exciting clash with the Bulldogs in Canberra on Saturday, August 31.
