‘Son Son’ played his first game since a round 3 match against the Hawks, but there were no signs of rust from the brilliant forward.
He kicked a classy goal, but it was his work to create opportunities for teammates that really stood out.
“I set up more than I kicked today, which is a team effort and that’s what I wanted to do,” Walters said.
“I wasn’t focussing on kicking goals today, I was just out there playing my role and I thought I did ok.”
Walters was pleased with the form of Hayden Crozier alongside him in attack.
Crozier kicked two goals and applied strong pressure to back up his three-goal effort in Geelong last week.
“We’re really impressed with ‘Croz’ especially coming up against really good teams the past two weeks,” Walters said.
“He played well last week and he played really good today and adjusted to the pressure early.
“Hawthorn’s a tough team and have strong individual players and ‘Croz’ was good, he tackled well and he put on some good pressure.”
Walters’ usual partner-in-crime, Hayden Ballantyne, was missing from the line-up on Sunday after he was withdrawn late.
‘Son Son’ was looking forward to the goalsneak’s return, which senior coach Ross Lyon said would be in Brisbane next week.
“I can’t wait,” Walters said.
“All week I was nagging him to see if he was playing.
“But it was good that ‘Croz’ and Max Duffy stepped in like they did last week and they played their role.
“Hopefully ‘Ballas’ comes back next week fit and firing.”
Walters said he had pulled up well from his first run back.
“I felt good, I was pretty nervous last night,” he said.
“The last quarter I got a bit hot and heavy out there, but I fought through it.
“For me it’s just important to get my recovery correct.”
