The forward line may be labeled a ‘work in progress’ across the NAB Challenge, but on Sunday Josh Walker showed that he has a lot to offer our young Lions outfit. 

Walker by no-means became a victim of leather-poisoning, but he did give fans a glimpse of his strength and aerial skills.

The ex-Geelong big man finished with nine disposals, including two marks; a one-handed grab in the first term showed his ability to outmuscle opponents, and his strong pack mark and goal in the final quarter should give Lions fans hope.

The need for a mature key forward has been much publicized since the retirement of Lions legend Jonathon Brown and the 23-year-old has a sizeable weight on his shoulders ahead of the 2016 season. But Coach Justin Leppitsch was impressed by his input in our NAB Challenge Opener.

“Walker’s ability to stand there, take a mark and compete (was good)," Leppitsch said to the media post-match.

“Those are the sorts of things that have been missing out of our group. 

“It gives the midfield confidence to go in when you know you’ve got a target who can compete and he’ll do that for us. That’s why we recruited him.”

Assistant coach Murray Davis echoed the thoughts of Leppitsch.

“Josh is really going to help with our contested ball stuff down the line as a bigger body,” Davis said to lions.com.au.

“He creates a contest and then brings those smaller players into play.

“If he’s not marking the ball he’ll certainly compete in the air to bring it to ground and bring those guys into it and that’s what we see his real strength being."