Walter Frank Giffen was the younger brother of the famous George Giffen, and throughout his cricketing career he was always compared to him - he would not be the last in cricket history! Walter Giffen was no match for his brother and indeed struggled in all three Test matches he played in, averaging only 1.83 at the end of his career.

In 1886 Walter suffered an injury to his hand at work (Brompton Gasworks, Adelaide) in an accident with a pair of cogwheels, and as a result lost the tips of two of his fingers. He played most of his cricketing career in Adelaide Club cricket and in the 13 appearances in Sheffield Shield cricket he averages only 11.77 runs.