FIRST-YEAR midfielder Will Walker will debut for North Melbourne in Sunday's crucial clash against West Coast at Blundstone Arena.
Walker was North's second selection in last year's NAB AFL Draft at No.23 overall after an impressive 2017 season with TAC Cup team Sandringham.
Kangaroos coach Brad Scott confirmed Walker's impending debut at his weekly press conference on Thursday afternoon.
"Will has been in great form in the VFL over a long period of time," Scott said.
"I've spoken a number of times about the advantage of having our VFL team this year and being able to train up players to play specific roles so that when they come into the AFL team they can just move seamlessly into the same system.
"Will will come in and it's really exciting for him, and I expect it to give our team a really big boost too, because there's nothing like youthful exuberance."
North drafted the 186cm midfielder believing he had considerable scope for improvement given he missed several years of junior football while he focused on soccer.
Walker has vindicated North's faith in the VFL this season, where his consistent performances have had him on the cusp of senior selection for some time.
Quick and a penetrating kick, Walker has the attributes to bolster the Kangaroos' outside run.
The moment Will Walker found out he'll be making his @AFL debut this weekend.
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) July 26, 2018
Congratulations, Walks. #BeAShinboner pic.twitter.com/uOtclvgK3j
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