Jeremy Walker to become Seaford’s first 400-game player on Saturday

A CONSTANT feeling of having to prove himself has driven Seaford footballer Jeremy “Shorty” Walker to 400 games.

Jeremy "Shorty'' Walker will reach 400 games on Saturday - all for Seaford.

A CONSTANT feeling of having to prove himself has driven Seaford footballer Jeremy “Shorty” Walker to 400 games.

The 38-year-old will become the first Tiger to reach the milestone when he runs out in Seaford’s reserves against Pines on Saturday.

At 5ft 4, Walker is one of the smallest — and most resilient — Seaford players of all time.

His 400 games have come in only 20 seasons, at an average of 20 per season. Injuries have dodged the Short Man.

“I wouldn’t be who I am if I wasn’t like I am,” he said.

“I’m in and under, love the hard stuff. If I was a bit taller I might not have had to be so aggressive.

“I’ve always played like I was on the edge. It’s something that’s got me by over the years. I’ve always felt like I’ve had to prove myself every game. Four hundred games is a lot of games you have to prove yourself.

“Even now, surely I’ve cemented a spot...but in pre-season I still worry about my number 35 going to someone else.”

Seaford president Dale O’Neil said Walker’s determination is legendary at the Tigers.

“He’s always led with his actions on the field,’’ he said. “He bounces back up every time he gets knocked over.’’

O’Neil added: “He’s been a leader for our younger boys, he’s taken a keen interest to make sure the Under 19s feel a part of the club.’’

Jeremy Walker in typical pose for Seaford, going in for the ball against a bigger opponent.

Walker has been a loyal Tiger for his entire career, starting out in Under 9s (where he played three seasons). His senior career, though, nearly didn’t kick off.

“I played Under 18s and then wasn’t going to play footy, I wasn’t really interested,” he said.

“I went and watched a mate play twos - Damien Hibbert - and his old man (John) came and spoke to me and I started training.

“That first year I played half the year and won the B&F in the twos somehow. And from the next year onwards I played seniors for the next 14 or 15 years.”

Seaford will celebrate two major games milestones this Saturday, with Walker’s great mate Joey Hallal reaching 300 games.

“That’s a great achievement for Joey,” Walker said.

“We’ve played pretty much our whole careers together. He’s Mr Class, Joey. A classy person and a classy footballer.”

Walker considers himself “blessed” to have made Seaford his football home.

“It’s a great joint. People seem to go there and not leave,” he said.

“I’ve got my lifelong mates there. A footy club brings together people who you wouldn’t have met in any other circumstance and you just learn to accept everyone for who they are and how weird and quirky or normal they are, you just accept it and pull on the jumper and pretty much want to dive on a hand grenade for them.

“It’s a great place, a footy club, I love it.”

Walker has been a fine player, running out in 10 grand finals, winning four.

He’s played with and against some brilliant players, naming Shane “Axel” Foley “by far the best” teammate he’s played with, but also speaking highly of Chris Irving, Chris Fortnam, Michael Kraska, Jason “Super” Marsh, Scott and Dean Kemble, Hibbert and Dean Williamson.

As for opponents, he says Brendan Long was a champion, Justin Berry amazing and Dan Wehner tough.