1952–1964
233 Games (Perth 226, WA 7)
421 Goals (Perth 410, WA 11)
The Perth Football Club is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Frank “Dick” Walker, a club legend and one of the most respected and courageous rovers of his era. Frank passed away on Friday, leaving behind a legacy of skill, leadership, and pride in the red and black that will never be forgotten.
Frank Walker played 233 senior games between 1952 and 1964, including 226 for Perth and 7 for Western Australia, and kicked 421 goals across his remarkable career. A clever and elusive goal-kicking rover, known for his toughness, quick thinking, and uncanny goal sense, Walker was a standout figure during one of the most significant periods in the club’s history.
Born in South Perth and affectionately known as “Dickie” from a young age to distinguish him from his father and grandfather, Walker first made waves in the game as a star junior with the South Perth Mets and at Aquinas College under legendary coach Jerry Dolan. Despite early interest from East Perth, a residential ruling secured Walker for the Demons, and club stalwart Jack O’Dea sealed the deal just before the 1952 season.
Walker debuted in the league side in 1952 against West Perth at Leederville Oval and made an immediate impact, kicking 22 goals and being named in the best players nine times during his debut season. Over the next decade, he would become a pillar of consistency and class for the Demons.
His greatest on-field moment came in the 1955 Grand Final, when Perth broke a 48-year premiership drought. Trailing East Fremantle by 34 points at half-time, the Demons looked down and out, until Walker, roving to champion ruckman Merv McIntosh, turned the tide. Kicking two brilliant final-quarter goals into the wind, he inspired a famous two-point victory that remains etched in the hearts of all Perth supporters.
Walker won the Perth Fairest and Best in both 1955 and 1956, represented Western Australia seven times, and was the club’s leading goalkicker in 1963. He captained the side in 1961–62 and even took on a coaching role in 1961. Despite a stellar season in 1963, in which he kicked 44 goals, Walker chose to retire partway through 1964, at just 30 years of age.
Post-football, Walker continued his sporting life with a strong interest in golf, playing off a six handicap and cricket, having previously played first-grade for the Perth Cricket Club. He also spent time in Esperance, playing one final season of football while running the Traveller’s Inn.
Few players in Perth Football Club history have left such an enduring mark. Only three players have played more games for the club, and just five have kicked more goals. For his contributions, Frank was awarded Life Membership in 1963, became a Club Legend in 2007, and was inducted into the Perth Football Club Hall of Fame in 2015. Two year later he was also inducted into the West Australian Football Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of his impact on the game.
Frank ‘Dick’ Walker wasn’t just a footballer. He was a symbol of courage, loyalty, and footballing intelligence. A Demon through and through.
The Perth Football Club extends its deepest sympathies to Frank’s family, friends, former teammates, and all who were touched by his life.
We will never forget him.
Rest in Peace, Dickie.
233 Games (Perth 226, WA 7)
421 Goals (Perth 410, WA 11)
The Perth Football Club is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Frank “Dick” Walker, a club legend and one of the most respected and courageous rovers of his era. Frank passed away on Friday, leaving behind a legacy of skill, leadership, and pride in the red and black that will never be forgotten.
Frank Walker played 233 senior games between 1952 and 1964, including 226 for Perth and 7 for Western Australia, and kicked 421 goals across his remarkable career. A clever and elusive goal-kicking rover, known for his toughness, quick thinking, and uncanny goal sense, Walker was a standout figure during one of the most significant periods in the club’s history.
Born in South Perth and affectionately known as “Dickie” from a young age to distinguish him from his father and grandfather, Walker first made waves in the game as a star junior with the South Perth Mets and at Aquinas College under legendary coach Jerry Dolan. Despite early interest from East Perth, a residential ruling secured Walker for the Demons, and club stalwart Jack O’Dea sealed the deal just before the 1952 season.
Walker debuted in the league side in 1952 against West Perth at Leederville Oval and made an immediate impact, kicking 22 goals and being named in the best players nine times during his debut season. Over the next decade, he would become a pillar of consistency and class for the Demons.
His greatest on-field moment came in the 1955 Grand Final, when Perth broke a 48-year premiership drought. Trailing East Fremantle by 34 points at half-time, the Demons looked down and out, until Walker, roving to champion ruckman Merv McIntosh, turned the tide. Kicking two brilliant final-quarter goals into the wind, he inspired a famous two-point victory that remains etched in the hearts of all Perth supporters.
Walker won the Perth Fairest and Best in both 1955 and 1956, represented Western Australia seven times, and was the club’s leading goalkicker in 1963. He captained the side in 1961–62 and even took on a coaching role in 1961. Despite a stellar season in 1963, in which he kicked 44 goals, Walker chose to retire partway through 1964, at just 30 years of age.
Post-football, Walker continued his sporting life with a strong interest in golf, playing off a six handicap and cricket, having previously played first-grade for the Perth Cricket Club. He also spent time in Esperance, playing one final season of football while running the Traveller’s Inn.
Few players in Perth Football Club history have left such an enduring mark. Only three players have played more games for the club, and just five have kicked more goals. For his contributions, Frank was awarded Life Membership in 1963, became a Club Legend in 2007, and was inducted into the Perth Football Club Hall of Fame in 2015. Two year later he was also inducted into the West Australian Football Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of his impact on the game.
Frank ‘Dick’ Walker wasn’t just a footballer. He was a symbol of courage, loyalty, and footballing intelligence. A Demon through and through.
The Perth Football Club extends its deepest sympathies to Frank’s family, friends, former teammates, and all who were touched by his life.
We will never forget him.
Rest in Peace, Dickie.