Since his battle with cancer began in 2023 and initially being given only a few months to live, Walls displayed his renowned courage and determination to fight the disease bravely before finally succumbing on May 15, 2025, aged 74.
This makes me sad. I always enjoyed his commentary on channel 10.
His move into coaching seemed a natural progression and he took the reins at Fitzroy in 1981.
A strict disciplinarian and a fine tactician, Walls was innovative and often a step ahead of the opposition.
In the early 1980s he invented 'The Huddle', which revolutionised how teams moved the ball from kick-outs.
The tactic, which had several variations, created space for the Lions' skilful running players out of defence and enabled them to move the ball efficiently into the forward half.
The huddle is a classic tactic that I remember fondly from junior footy.