MELBOURNE rookie Guy Walker has swapped the boots for the business suit less than 12 months into his contract at the Demons.

The former cricketer, who penned a two-year Category B deal in 2018, has shifted to the Demons' commercial team as he fights a debilitating shoulder injury.

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Walker was told only rest can fix the nerve injury in his shoulder and the 23-year-old faces an indefinite stint on the sidelines with no guarantee he will be able to return to play again.

It is understood Walker will look to test out the injury he sustained last December in coming months before a decision is made on his career.  

With ample time on his hands, Walker has transferred from the football department at AAMI Park to the club's off-field arm based at the MCG in recent months.

Now working as a partnerships intern, Walker now reports to the commercial department.  

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Walker arrived at the Demons ahead of the 2019 season after several years in the Victorian cricket mix.  

Despite dealing with shoulder injuries as a cricketer, Walker represented Australia at the under-19 World Cup and managed one outing for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League.  

Walker is one of two Category B rookies at the Demons alongside developing ruckman Austin Bradtke, who has been playing in the NAB League competition for Dandenong this year.  

Each AFL club is allowed to have up to three Category B rookies that are paid outside the salary cap.