By Abby Collins
This Saturday, Ivan Walker will step onto the field, becoming the official Scott Pendlebury of the Eastern Swans.
While Pendlebury might have the glitzy perks of a professional athlete, Walker’s journey is one of grit, determination, and a whole lot of heart, helping him reach his 400 games.
Walker’s footy journey kicked off in Melbourne when he was just five years old, and he’s been hooked ever since.
“My footy journey started in Melbourne; I was given a football at the age of 5, and ever since then, it has stuck,” he said.
Fast forward to 2024, and after 28 seasons, he’s not just racked up games—he’s collected milestones like a kid collects stickers.
Five premierships? Check!
Life member of the Eastern Swans? Double check!
All Australian Masters team? Been there, done that, will probably do it again.
But unlike Pendlebury, who had the luxury of being a full-time footy star, Walker has been juggling his love for the game with his family and job.
This footy legend has seen his fair share of success over his 28 seasons.
One of his highlights was getting to travel to Ireland with the All Australian Masters team.
“We went overseas for the Masters competition this year to play Ireland,” Walker said.
“It was an amazing lifetime opportunity, so me and the Mrs. went all the way over to Ireland.”
Walker, who has lived in Queensland most of his life, was in for a temperature shock when it came to Ireland.
The playing fields of Ireland were heavier and muddier than the Queensland local was used to, but he took that and the cold temperatures all in his stride.
A journey is only as good as the people you share it with, and Walker has one of the best support squads anyone could ask for.
His wife, who has been there since day dot, his two kids, and his grandkids are frequent match attendees, all ready to cheer Grandpa Walker on.
Reflecting on his many career highlights, Walker pinpointed his first premiership win and the season not long after, where he and the boys went undefeated as his favourite moments so far.
“My first Grand Final was in 1998; that was pretty exciting,” he said. “But in 2000, we went through the year undefeated and then carried on and won it. I really enjoyed that win. It was a really close game in the end.”
As he gears up for this monumental game, the Eastern Swans are at the top of the Mackay League, and they’ll be facing off against the Mackay City Hawks at home.
With the community rallying behind him, Walker is set to make his 400th game a day to remember.
Past players and supporters will be coming from near and far to celebrate with the club’s Pendlebury this weekend.
So, while Scott Pendlebury might be the king of Collingwood, Ivan Walker is the undisputed champion of the Eastern Swans, proving that with passion and a great support squad, you can achieve anything.
