William married Eleanor May Moody (1895-1972) on 30 December 1914 at the Holy Trinity Church in Port Melbourne.

[3] Walton started his career at Victorian Football Association (VFA) club Port Melbourne and was their leading goal-kicker in 1914.

When the VFA went into recess due to WWI, Walton agreed to captain South Melbourne District in the VJFA for 1916.

Walton returned to Port Melbourne in 1920 and was appointed captain-coach of Hawthorn (then playing in the VFA) in 1922.

He was however refused a clearance by Port Melbourne and as a result spent the season playing for them, while coaching Hawthorn during the week.