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A free agent acquisition from Brisbane, former Geelong tall Josh Walker missed just one game in his debut 2020 campaign with North Melbourne.

Initially a forward/ruck at Geelong, Walker’s time in Brisbane was defined by a switch into defence, where his strength and athleticism saw him flourish in the Lions’ back six.

One of the most experienced players on North’s list, Walker’s successful first season in royal blue and white saw him finish seventh in the Syd Barker Medal on 92 votes.

North Melbourne debut: Round 1, 2020
Career Brownlow votes: 1

2021: While a return to the forward line was initially touted for Walker in 2021, North’s defensive injury crisis at the start of the season saw him remain in the back six for much of the year.

With the likes of Aidan Corr and Robbie Tarrant missing early in the season, Walker’s role as the third tall, intercepting defender was altered as he was required to match up directly on the opposition’s key forwards.

It’s a role he completed well, helping lead some of North’s inexperienced defenders through the early part of the season.

Upon Tarrant’s return, Walker split his time between defence and the forward line, kicking three goals for the year, while also pinch hitting in the ruck.

Much like 2020, he only missed one game for the entire campaign, and he signed a 12-month contract extension in early September.