Walker steps it up New contract beckons as Lions defender discovers top form

BRISBANE vice-captain Harris Andrews is facing another week on the sidelines, giving resurgent defender Josh Walker another opportunity to push for a new deal.

Walker has built a strong case for a new contract, capping off a solid month by being one of the Lions’ best in their 33-point victory over Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday.

His outing against the Hawks was the best of his time as a Lion and it would have given the match committee some serous selection headaches had Andrews, who was knocked out against GWS in Round 14, been available for next Saturday’s clash against Adelaide at the Gabba.

Especially with Adelaide unlikely to challenge a one-match ban handed to Taylor Walker for high contact against Geelong’s Zach Tuohy on Thursday night leaving them one tall short in attack.

However Lions football manager David Noble said it is likely Andrews will face another week on the sidelines where his training load will be ramped up and tests done to see if concussion symptoms re-emerged with an elevated heart rate.

Coach Chris Fagan described Walker’s Launceston day out as a “special game” and one he believed the player was capable of making his benchmark.

“When Josh is hungry and he’s got a point to prove he’s capable of that sort of performance,” he said.

“It was a really special game, lot of intercept marks, great spoils, it was a special effort from him.”

Walker looked to have revived his career when he finished last season strongly, spending time at either end of the ground.

However, a broken hand in the pre-season robbed him of a momentum and although he soon discovered his form in the NEAFL, he had a frustrating wait for regular senior opportunities as the club went with the Andrews-Darcy Gardiner defensive combination and in recent times a tall forward line consisting of Eric Hipwood, Dan McStay and resting ruckman Oscar McInerny.

After spending the majority of his career in attack, Walker said he had adapted to a defensive role where he used his instincts as a former forward to read the play and would now happily play anywhere to keep his spot in the seniors.

“I am genuinely happy to play either,” he said.

“I want to not only cement my spot in the team, but actually play good footy for a side that is starting to play really well.”