Five brothers propel Powelltown to first win in Outer East league Division 1

After almost folding, Powelltown has broken through for an emotional victory with five brothers leading the way, fulfilling their dad’s lifetime dream.

Powelltown's Walker family, from left, Michael Walker, 47, Jonnie Walker, 34, Terry Walker, 46, Jason Walker, 31, Bobby Walker, 38, Lindon Walker, 35. The brothers’ dad, Robert, is at the front, with Bobby’s daughter, Evie. Picture: Facebook

Powelltown footy club nearly shut its doors a few months ago.

Struggling for players, the club was “on its knees”, according to playing-coach Ben Wratten.

“A month out from round one pretty much the doors were closed,” he said.

Powelly survived, had a crack…and on Saturday they beat the odds to secure their first victory of the season, edging Yarra Junction, 10.17 (77) to 10.12 (72).

“Over the moon mate,” Wratten said.

“I mean, six months ago if you’d told me that we would have got a win this season I wouldn’t have believed you.

“But every week over the last five weeks we’ve just been getting better and better.”

Making Saturday’s win even more special, five Walker brothers pulled on the boots and played pivotal roles.

It was 38-year-old Bobby Walker’s 250th match.

His big brother Michael, 47, a legend at Warburton, where he’s played more than 400 games, got a special one-game permit to play — and the rest of the crew followed: Jonnie, 34, Terry, 46, and Jason, 31.

Powelltown has had to fight hard this season. Picture: Facebook

Ben Wratten, the champion.

In so doing, the five brothers fulfilled a longtime dream of their father, Powelltown team of the century member Robert Walker.

“It was my dad’s lifetime dream to see us all play together,” Bobby Walker said.

“We were struggling for a win and all my brothers came along to help Powelly get the win... for them all to rally and play together and win a game was pretty good day.”

Completing a memorable day for the family, their cousin Lindon Walker, 35, also played.

The Walkers didn’t just play, they were key figures in the victory as Powelltown hurried to a 20-point lead in the first quarter and then withstood a late surge by Yarra Junction.

Bobby played the majority forward, kicking three goals and taking several contested marks.

Terry also clunked some awesome contested marks.

Mick played a half back role, was clever and used his voice all day.

Jonnie hadn’t played footy for seven years but it didn’t show; he was fit as a fiddle and moved smoothly.

The Walkers’ good mate Jason de Graaf also played and looked a million bucks before pinging his hammy.

Another mate, Grant Newing, also slotted into the side and was influential.

“It all just fell into place having all these tall guys in there and they can all mark a ball and kick the ball,’’ Wratten said.

It was also champion Wratten’s first win as a coach. He took on the role this season, stepping up to help out the club in its time of need.

“It’s been a hard couple of months but all worth it with that one win,’’ he said.

“To finally get the monkey off the back as a coach is good.

“I was ecstatic, just more for the club. Everyone who puts time in, all the volunteers…’’