Image Credit: Paul Kane/AFL Photos

POSITION: Medium Forward

DRAFT ANALYSIS: "Walker is a powerful pressure forward who enjoys the tough stuff and boasts high-level athleticism across the board." - Michael Alvaro

Fremantle Next Generation Academy (NGA) hopeful, Chris Walker has many traits which would appeal to AFL clubs and remains on the draft radar after a promising top-age campaign. The East Fremantle product has risen through the Sharks' ranks and Dockers talent program alongside twin brother, Brandon, though Chris is a slightly different player to his smooth-moving sibling. He plies his trade as a medium forward who utilises powerful athleticism to apply punishing defensive pressure and present as an all-action option at half-forward. A neck injury ruled him out for consecutive weeks early in the 2020 WAFL Colts season, but Walker bounced back to produce some late form worthy of a Western Australia draft combine invite. He was also selected for his state's first Under 18's All-Stars fixture, but a jaw injury ruled him out of the second a week later. Nonetheless, the 18-year-old Ghanaian native was able to showcase his exciting set of attributes this year and will hope to enter the elite level alongside his brother, a top 30 candidate, come draft time.

STRENGTHS:

• Athleticism
• Vertical leap
• Power/explosiveness
• Defensive pressure

IMPROVEMENTS:

• Durability
• Consistency/production

As far as pressure forwards go, Walker plays the role particularly well and has found a way to make his best traits shine while doing so. He measures up at 183cm and 74kg, but packs a bigger punch than his frame would suggest and is particularly apt in the realm of power-based athleticism. Walker was one of the standout testers at this year's WA draft combine, registering top 10 nationwide results across all three vertical jumps and the agility test. He also ran a sub-three-second 20m sprint during preseason, confirming his explosive traits.

On-field, Walker utilises these assets in his own unique style. He is usually one to present well from half-forward; either hitting up hard on the lead and winning the resultant contest, or finding space to mark uncontested and quickly move the ball forward. His vertical leap sometimes comes into play as he attempts marks, while his agility and strength come to the fore when play is in motion. Much like his brother, Walker is good at fending opponents off and finding just enough space to then deliver a disposal.

Walker remains relevant on the defensive end too, as he works to terrorise opposition defenders with his tackling pressure. Physicality and intent come into play here, and Walker is not afraid to get his hands dirty when required. It allows him to stay in the game even when he is not seeing too much of the ball in an attacking sense, with an average of 4.1 tackles per his seven Colts games this year indicative of that. That kind of hardness and hunger at the contest is a key trait which clubs look for in small-medium forwards on the precipice, like Walker.

Looking at Walker's disposal, it is still a touch raw in terms of the complete end product, but is generally good enough to put the ball in good spots inside attacking 50. He averaged a tick under 13 touches this season and managed nearly a goal per game, which is by no means a massive output, but solid given his role. Being able to stay on the park and build a bigger tank to impact even more contests will be a big step in Walker's development, as he could also sustain his power for longer throughout the contest. It would also make him a more consistent figure overall, with the potential to move away from the tag of being a role player in future.

DRAFT PROJECTION: Rookie

Fremantle is in a bit of a tight spot given its lack of pick depth and the probability that two NGA bids will land within the top 40 selections. Walker will unlikely be one of them, but his ties to the Dockers may see him be taken on as a Category-B rookie should he not yield a bid from another club throughout the National Draft. The Dockers have been keen in terms of taking on their own academy talents, but have also released a bunch of them after little time in the elite system. Walker may get his chance, but could also be one to come back stronger in 2021 and further prove himself with a full season. He garnered enough interest to earn a state combine invite, so other recruiters may also consider him.

FURTHER CONTENT:

Top 10s: 2020 National AFL Draft Combine