For Brandon Walker, the road back to AFL football was anything but smooth.

After facing the harsh reality of a season-ending injury in round 18 last year, Walker embarked on a journey marked by challenges, milestones, and unwavering support from his loved ones, teammates, and coaches.

Now, as he steps back onto the field, he reflects on the highs, lows, and the crucial role his support network played in his recovery.

In the world of AFL, every step forward is often preceded by a hurdle to overcome. For Walker, the journey back to the field was not just a physical battle, but a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering support of those around him.

“It was pretty flattening,” Walker recalled as he reminisced on the moment he tore his patella tendon against Collingwood in 2023. 

“I knew I’d miss the rest of the season so I just wanted to get the surgery done and get back at it as quickly as I could.”

Facing such adversity, Walker found solace in the advice of others who had walked a similar path.

“Jaeger O’Meara, he did his patella a few years ago so he kind of wrapped his arms around me and let me know how the journey would go and how sticking at it would just be the best thing for it," he said.

“Hustling through it and appreciating the grind that was going to happen.”

Throughout his recovery, Walker leaned on his support network, cherishing the moments of progress and the unwavering encouragement he received.

“Just being able to start running on field, then being able to kick, joining small parts of training, and then getting to the game time," Walker explained about celebrating the little wins during his recovery.

“Every time you hit one of those little achievements you think you are closer and closer to returning to playing.”

But it wasn't just physical milestones that propelled him forward, it was also the emotional backing from those closest to him.

“My partner helped me out a lot," he confessed.

 “The coaches wrapped their arms around me and made me feel really good and kept backing me up.

“Obviously, friends, family and the boys (playing group) were just catching up with me heaps and being able to chill out with them and just not having to talk footy all the time. I’m appreciative of that.”

As the day of his return drew nearer, anticipation mingled with nerves, but ultimately, it was a moment of pure joy for the speedy defender.

“It was pretty hard to keep my nerves down before the game, it was probably more excitement to be honest," recalling the feeling of being selected for round two.

"It’d been a long time so just being able to play footy again at that level was just ticking through my mind for the couple of days leading up to it.

“Once I walked out there and got the first contest out the way I realised it was nothing I hadn’t done before, so to just play footy again felt so rewarding to be back out there.”

Walker’s return game saw Fremantle walk away with a 26-point victory over North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, a short drive from the MCG where Walker had just eight months earlier been stretchered from the ground with his horrific injury. 

Personal achievement aside, Walker’s return to AFL football came with an added layer of significance, as the 21-year-old defender ran out alongside great mate, and fellow NGA graduate Josh Draper who made his AFL debut in the same game. 

“It was pretty cool (running out with Draper)," the NGA academy player explained.

“We went to school together when we were younger and we were talking about it in the week, and about a month ago we were saying it would be crazy if I could go back in time and he (Draper) made his debut on the same week.

“Surprisingly it happened, unfortunately, due to some injuries, but it was crazy that we kind of manifested it in a way.

“I’m proud of the way he’s going about his footy, he’s locked in and been a pro.”

Their journey from schoolmates to AFL teammates is a testament to the impact of programs like the NGA.

“It’s a big advantage (the NGA) to get early access into a football Club to see what they do every day, all the things they go through, when you are younger which, most kids won’t have access to," he reflected.

“It gives you a big mental switch on and to even have access to come to trainings with them every couple weeks, it’s a big advantage I reckon.”

As Walker continues his journey in the AFL, his resilience, supported by a strong network of family, friends, and teammates, exemplifies his commitment to growing as a player both on and off the field.

“I just want to play consistent footy, keep adding levels to my footy, keep backing myself in, and just enjoying it.”

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