STRENGTHS:

+ Competitiveness
+ Contested ball
+ Explosive speed
+ Production
+ Professionalism
+ Work rate

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Kicking
- Polish

Every Australian football match begins with a centre ball-up, and that's where Walker sets the tone. He's a powerful contested ball winner, able to will himself to first possession and utilise his athletic gifts to burst free from congestion. He does it effortlessly at times, but is more than prepared to get his hands dirty when required.

Walker prides himself on being clean at the contest and starts every stoppage on his toes. If he can't take possession with one touch, he surges the ball forward and applies repeat efforts to either eventually claim the pill, or prevent the opposition from doing so. That kind of competitiveness forms the crux of his game.

The midfielder's ability to go from inside to outside, credit to his explosive speed, sets him apart. He glides across the turf akin to his famous father and loves taking open ground, not only racking up metres gained, but doing so quickly. He puts the opposition on the back foot with that kind of urgency and intent.

On top of his ability to dominate at the coalface, Walker can further control games on the outside. He has a ravenous work rate and covers plenty of ground on the spread, with his aerobic underpinnings highlighted by a 6:04 effort in the 2km time trial. His production and ability to accumulate have always been outstanding.

Another handy trait at Walker's disposal is his overhead marking, while he has the intangibles like professionalism and leadership. He has essentially lived like an AFL-listed player this year and will have no trouble adjusting once that becomes official. He's so readymade and has a grip on the standards required of him.

For all his quality and competitiveness, there remains clear room for improvement in Walker's game. Midfielders need to be able to kick the ball well, and that is the main knock on Walker. He can be prone to blazing away or compromising technique for distance and power. It's all well and good gaining 60m, but not if it turns over too often. He is capable of executing damaging kicks, and just needs that touch of polish.