'Dark days': Dylan Walker breaks down over domestic violence ordeal

Dylan Walker and fiancee Alex Ivkovic have given their first public interview since Walker was found not guilty of domestic violence charges.

The Manly Sea Eagles star and his partner spoke with Channel Nine reporter Danny Weidler, where they spoke about the six-month ordeal that began after an argument at the couple’s home in December.

Walker was roundly booed in his return to the field last weekend.

“There were some dark days with it and we just sort of had to lean on each other,” Walker said.

“I’m so lucky to have a loving partner and a baby.

“It’s tough, it does affect me as a person from what I do on the field.

“It’s hard. I just want to be the best person I can be, the best father, the best partner and the hatred’s there.”

Walker was found not guilty of domestic violence charges after Ivkovic altered her evidence in court.

After initially telling police Walker had pulled her down by her hair, which police said resulted in “minor cuts to her shoulder, leg and feet”, Ivkovic said in court that Walker had instead reached for her shoulder.

The change in evidence put Ivkovic under heavy scrutiny herself.

“I think it’s just one of those things where you want to jump up and down and explain everything but you also can’t please everyone,” she said in the interview with Wiedler.

“The people around us know us, and they know everything and we’re happy with that and I’m content with that.

“I don’t feel the need to defend myself, you can’t always make everyone happy.”

Walker said the case had not only been difficult for him, but also his eight siblings and his extended family.

“It’s a hard thing, I’ve got a family – I’m the youngest of eight,” Walker said.

“It’s not just me that lives through it, it’s my nieces, my nephews, my brothers and sisters.

“They’ve been supportive and so have my friends and the club as well.”