ANDREW Walker will reach the end of a long, hard road on Sunday when he takes the field for the first time this season after recovering from shoulder surgery that ruined his start to the year.

Walker, 22, had surgery after the 2007 season, but re-injured it in the NAB Challenge match against the Western Bulldogs in March – forcing a second operation.

"Walks has had a tough time with the shoulder injury, but jeez he looked strong at VFL level and he’s very fit thanks to the work he’s done with (high performance manager) Justin Cordy," assistant coach Gavin Crosisca said.

"Rehab is a tough time; you do get left to your own devices to some degree. Our guys usually start pulling a little metal plate around the ground to start their rehab and, when you’ve got the boys training in the middle giving it to you, it’s not overly fun.

"But he’s battled his way through and he’s been fantastic, he’s been really positive in the way he’s gone about it and it shows in how his body is.

"If you have a look at his body on the weekend you’ll see that it looks like he’s lost nothing in fitness and size and strength, and that’s a real credit to him because it’s a real tough time not playing for 12 weeks or so."

Walker played three matches with VFL affiliate the Northern Bullants to help him regain confidence in the joint and Crosisca said the 2003 draft's No. 2 pick had fully earned his recall.

"He almost took mark of the decade down in Tassie, but he’s been really physical which has been the main thing, especially coming back from a shoulder injury," he said.

"He’s put his body on the line and has looked well and truly above VFL level, so hopefully that’s a good sign for him this week going into the AFL.

"He just needs to try and bring that to the AFL this weekend and we need him whether he’s forward or back or in the midfield.

"Walks is a big, strong boy and we need him to crash open a few packs and get a few kicks for himself as well."

Walker has been named on a half-back flank for what will be his 75th career match.