Walker began studying in Ballarat and played football for Gordon in the Central Highlands league last season. 

Walker said he is excited to return to his home club.

“It’ll be good to get back and play with all of my old mates at the club,” Walker said. 

“I’m still down in Ballarat this year so I’ll just be travelling back every week to make every game.

“I just kind of wanted to spend some more time with my good mates and my family.”

Walker is currently on the mend from an injury that derailed his season last year. He dislocated his knee after nine matches with Gordon, something he said was difficult to deal with.

“I got stretchered off the ground, it was probably the most painful thing I’ve ever had to deal with before,” Walker said.

“It was the first injury I’ve ever really had playing footy. I was on crutches for weeks. It was pretty rubbish to be honest.”

Walker did not play again for the rest of the year but said he was close to a return by the end of the season.

As he continues to work back toward full fitness, Walker said he expects to play full-forward for the Saints before potentially pushing further up the ground as the season wears on.

Walker – along with fellow recruit Carl Slape – will provide some much needed height in Edenhope-Apsley’s forward line.

In his last season for Edenhope-Apsley, Walker booted 57 goals from 16 matches, including a 10 goal haul against Taylors Lake and a nine goal performance against Kalkee.

In Walker’s absence, the Saints were lacking a full forward last season but still managed to make the preliminary final.

Walker said he hopes the side can go even further next season with himself and Slape in the team.

 “Hopefully we can make the granny this year, I reckon that is our first goal,” Walker said.

“I haven’t met Carl yet but hopefully we can make a bit of a duo.

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“That’s what they have been telling me they were missing last year was a couple of big forwards.

“I haven’t heard of any injuries or anything so far this pre-season so it’s looking good.”

Edenhope-Apsley coach Chris Oliver said Walker would be an important acquisition and was excited to have him back at the club.

“He’s previously been a handy full-forward for us, kicked a lot of goals for us in the past and has a really strong pair of hands,” Oliver said.

“It will be good to have him on board again this year.”