Walker takes his chance
LIONS vice- captain Harris Andrews is facing another week on the sidelines, giving resurgent defender Josh Walker more 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 win 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 Saturday’s clash with Adelaide at the Gabba.
Especially with Adelaide unlikely to challenge a onematch ban handed to captain 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 was likely Andrews would face another week on the sidelines, where his training load would be ramped up and tests done to see if concussion symptoms reemerged.
Coach Chris Fagan described Walker’s Launceston day out as a “special game” and one he believed the player was capable of repeating.
“When Josh is hungry and he’s got a point to prove he’s capable of that sort of performance,’’ he said.
After spending most of his career in attack, Walker said he had adapted to a defensive role and used his instincts as a former forward to read the play.
“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.’’