Dylan Walker is no doubt one relieved individual right now.
Instead of a potential stretch inside, Walker is free to resume his lucrative rugby league career after a court found him not guilty of domestic violence charges.
Despite several eye witness accounts, a damning Triple O call made by his partner and alleged victim Alexandra Ivkovic along with a strong police brief, a magistrate found there was not sufficient evidence to record a conviction.
It was a close run thing. Had Ivkovic not ‘misremembered’ much of the incident, things could have been a lot different for Walker.
As plenty have pointed out, not guilty is not necessarily the same thing as innocent.
So you’d think it would be time for some self-reflection from Walker.
A touch of humility and a silent vow to put his head down, avoid the spotlight and try to restore something of his lost reputation.
But that’s not his go.
Instead, Walker decided to lair it right up when the media descended on Manly training earlier this week.
Landing a long range field goal during warm-up, Walker grinned at the TV cameras and shouted: “Boys did you get that? Did you get that?
“Thanks fellas. I’m back baby.”
Team-mates laughed. It was a regular riot.
Fairfax journalist Christian Nicolussi tweeted the moment - and then put his flak jacket on.
Dylan Walker just slotted field goal from nearly 40m out at @SeaEagles training. Into the breeze. Turned to TV cameras and quipped: ‘Hoped you got that. I’m back, baby ...’
— christian nicolussi (@mrchrisnico) May 13, 2019
One follower wrote: “Self belief is a good thing...too much and it comes off as arrogance. Walker needs to be careful he does not appear that way.
Another added: “If there ever was a time to keep your head down and just get on with it and not act like a dickhead, now would be the time.”
The tone elsewhere among fans was exactly the same: there is nothing to celebrate here.
Even some rusted-on Manly fans are uneasy with Walker’s return and embarrassed by his behaviour at training.
Sea Eagles star Dylan Walker has declared “I’m back baby” during his first training session following his domestic abuse court case. @breenie9 #9News pic.twitter.com/q4Pu5nqzaF
— Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) May 14, 2019
Although he is a potential match-winner, many want him moved on at the end of the season.
He has the next four months to convince them otherwise.
Let’s just hope it’s his football that does the talking from here on.