Unsung Gold Coast Knights defender Jaiden Walker happy to play role in NPL grand final

HE’S one of the unsung heroes of the Gold Coast Knights’ NPL charge and Jaiden Walker is more than happy to keep it that way ahead of Sunday’s historic grand final appearance.

HE’S one of the unsung heroes of the Gold Coast Knights’ NPL charge and Jaiden Walker is more than happy to keep it that way ahead of Sunday’s historic grand final appearance.

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In a star-studded Knights outfit boasting former Socceroo Mitch Nichols and A-League championship winner Matt Smith, right back Walker has flown under the radar to become his side’s Mr Reliable.

Having featured in 25 of the Knights’ 29 league fixtures this season, the 23-year-old Lismore product will again be called upon to shut down the lethal Olympic frontline – including top-10 NPL goalscorers Chris Lucas and Alex Smith - in their grand final battle at Perry Park at 6pm.

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Victory would return the silverware to the Coast for the first time since Palm Beach’s 2014 success and Walker is content to play his role in pursuit of NPL glory.

“At the end of the day the team comes first. Praise isn’t a big thing for me, it’s more so just getting results,” the former Brisbane Roar Youth defender said.

Gold Coast Knights players Jaiden Walker and Max Brown ahead of the NPL grand final against Olympic on Sunday. Picture: Jason O'Brien

“Grae (Piddick, coach) just tells you to go out and play your own game. His final words are more so (that) you wouldn’t be here if he didn’t believe in you.

“He’s confident in what you do and gives you a lot of freedom. We do play a lot of ball out wide and rely on us fullbacks to give that width and drive forward.

“It’s definitely part of the game and how we want to play. I look to get forward and cross some balls in.

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“Overall I think I’ve been pretty consistent and from a club point of view we’re definitely happy. There’s still stuff I need to work on but the season has gone to plan.”

Walker’s campaign was interrupted in the Knights’ first meeting with Olympic in May after suffering a shoulder injury in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

He was on the bench for their 4-2 triumph in the final round of the season on August 31, before returning to the starting side in last week’s 2-1 semi final victory over Peninsula Power.

Walker in action for the Knights in last weekend’s semi final against Peninsula Power. Picture: Mike Batterham

With the title now tantalisingly close, the Knights believe they can extend their winning streak to nine games on the competition’s biggest stage.

“We’re confident we can get the result,” Walker said.

“Obviously the caliber of players in the squad with Mitch Nichols and Matt Smith coming in has added a bit extra to an already decent squad. Whoever gets picked this weekend, I’m pretty sure we’ll be right to go.

“(Olympic) are definitely a decent side, their attack is the best in the league. I think we can handle them and do what we have been doing towards the back end of the season.”

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KNIGHTS GRAND FINAL SQUAD

Joshua Langdon (goalkeeper)

Tim Allen (goalkeeper)

Jaiden Walker (defender)

Luke Austin (defender)

Oskar Dillon (defender)

Matt Smith (defender)

Matthew Schmidt (defender)

Euan Thum-Davidson (defender)

Roman Hoffman (midfielder)

Max Brown (midfielder)

Mitch Nichols (midfielder)

Danny Morton (midfielder)

Jayden Prasad (winger)

Nicholas Panetta (winger)

Shannon Brady (winger)

Luke Marsh (striker)

Jarrod Kyle (striker)

Cai Tipaldo (striker)

Sam Smith (striker) (c)

Coach: Grae Piddick