Max Walker the last man to play VFL/AFL football and cricket in same year

MAX Walker might be best known as a cricketer but will always been remembered at Melbourne after passing away aged 68.

Max Walker in action for Melbourne against Fitzroy in 1968.

MAX Walker might be best known as a cricketer but will always been remembered at Melbourne.

“Tangles” as he was affectionately known was the last man to play VFL/AFL football and Test cricket in the same calendar year, 1972.

One of Australia’s most-loved sporting characters, Walker passed away aged 68 after battling cancer.

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Tasmanian born, Walker played 85 games for the Demons between 1967 and 1972 before making cricket his sole focus.

After debuting late in 1967, Walker became a mainstay of the Melbourne team, playing in the ruck, and was a member of the 1971 night premiership.

Walker said he may never have played league football or Test cricket if it wasn’t for legendary Demons coach Norm Smith.

Max Walker in action for Melbourne against Fitzroy in 1968.

“Norm Smith was the greatest man I’ve ever met,” he told the AFL Record, earlier this year.

Walker played the final game of 1972 against Fitzroy and made his Test debut three months later against Pakistan.

After returning from the Australia’s 1972-73 tour of the West Indies, Walker told Melbourne he would not return the 1973 season.

Walker is one of just four men to have played VFL/AFL football and Test cricket in the same year, together with Keith Miller, Laurie Nash and George Tribe.

Originally published as Max Walker the last man to play VFL/AFL football and cricket in same year