Essendon Royals sign NPL Vic star Jeremy Walker
Former A-Leagues and NPL star Jeremy Walker will be a Royal in 2023.
The Tasmanian wingman has signed with the Essendon Royals following a lengthy stint at NPL Victoria powerhouse Green Gully and will call Cross Keys home this season as part of the Royals NPL3 squad.
Walker said the decision to join the Royals was a result of the club’s promotion out of the State Leagues in 2022, as well as having some great friends already at the club.
“One of my best mates, Will [Abbott], plays here and I’ve known Mick, Vee and Davey for a long time,” he said.
“Promotion for last year was one of the big ones too.
“There’s a good bunch of boys here that I wanted to have a kick with, so I’m excited to be here and push for another promotion.”
Walker arrives at the club having played a crucial role in Gully’s run to the NPL Victoria finals series, where they made the Preliminary Final, missing out on a Grand Final spot by slim margins in a 1-0 loss to South Melbourne.
Before his time with Gully, Walker also played A-Leagues Men’s with Melbourne City and Perth Glory.
“A fresh start was probably needed. I had six or seven years at Gully,” he said.
“Knowing people here definitely helps. I’ve followed them all pretty closely, it makes it easier to stick around. It’s why I liked Gully so much and why I was happy to come here when the opportunity came up.”
Walker said the Club’s ambition to continue to climb the ranks of Victorian football was another key factor in his decision.
“I know how much of a success and a celebration promotion was last year,” he said.
“[The goal] is definitely to win games and win promotion again. It’s been a successful few years, and I know they want to get higher and get better, so if I can help that, that’s the goal.”
At just 29 years of age, Walker represents a hugely exciting addition to Coach Mick Ferrante’s squad.
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