Gold Coast Suns prodigy Jesse Walker named to make senior AFL Townsville debut for Curra Swans aged 15

“He’s got a beautiful kick - he is someone I would trust to take his time and kick a goal after the siren,” the youngster’s coach declared ahead of his senior debut.

Gold Coast Suns Academy prospect Jesse Walker will debut for Curra Swans in AFL Townsville at 15 years old. Picture: Eric Jackson

Jesse Walker may only be a baby Swan now but this 15-year-old Aussie rules talent is far from an ugly duckling.

The Gold Coast Suns junior Academy prospect is bracing to make his senior debut against University in Curra’s season-opener on Saturday.

Coach Sam Tonkes believes the solidly-built teenager has the physical tools to make an impact in the Swans’ forward pocket and he should know.

The former premiership-winning Hermit Park Tiger made his senior debut in South Australia’s National Football League at 17 years old, giving him first-hand insight to the pressures of playing against battle-hardened opponents as a teen.

In a shake-up of the club since taking over from veteran coach Jamie Fogg, Tonkes has backed young Walker to hold his nerve in the greatest test of his young football career.

Gold Coast Suns Academy prospect Jesse Walker will debut for Curra Swans in AFL Townsville at 15 years old. Picture: Eric Jackson

“He’s got a beautiful kick - he is someone I would trust to take his time and kick a goal after the siren,” Tonkes declared.

“One he gets through his nerves I think we’ll be able to see a great junior coming through our program.”

Walker won’t have to wait long to see action this season.

Named on the bench, Tonkes revealed the youngster would be injected into the fray as early as the five minute mark.

“I’ve said to our guys from the start, if you show the dedication and determination to play senior footy and actually care about the way you go about football you get rewarded,” he said.

“Jesse is a solid lad, for a 15-year-old. When we do our games at footy training you’d never know he’s a 15 year old - I thought he was 17.

“There’s a lot of good footballers out there (at Walker’s age) in AFL Townsville but the biggest thing is he’s got the size and the ability to stand up in a tackle. He’s got the power in his legs and hips to make a tackle and win the hard footy and that’s definitely why I picked him.

“You see these good footballers and you think, in a couple of years, when he puts on size, he’ll be ready to go. With Jesse, he’s got the size and he’s got the strength to make an impact.”

Walker isn’t the first Townsville teen to get a taste of senior football this early.

Hermit Park product Josh Williams of the Kangaroos. Picture: Getty Images

Tonkes watched former teammate Josh Williams go on to be drafted 36th overall by North Melbourne in 2016 after debuting for Hermit Park as a 15-year-old.

Closer to home, Curra captain Mitchell Dennis was another to have debuted at an early age.

“100 per cent, it’s a good indicator (for future success) but it’s about taking this opportunities and not taking a backward step. The worst thing to do be to get ahead of himself and next year only be playing under-17s or reserve grade footy,” Tonkes said.

“He’s a still young kid and I just want him to get a taste of senior footy. What he learns, I want him to take back to the Suns and junior footy and become a real leader.”

University sit on top of the AFL Townsville ladder after one week but must travel to face the well-rested Swans, who had the early bye.

Hermit Park travels to North Shore Oval to face a new-look Northern Beaches Suns outfit who were still in the contest in the fourth quarter against University.

Thuringowa Bulldogs have the round two bye.

Originally published as Gold Coast Suns prodigy Jesse Walker named to make senior AFL Townsville debut for Curra Swans aged 15