Replacing Scott Thompson in North Melbourne’s backline was never going to be an easy task, but Josh Walker is certainly giving it a good shot. 

Since being selected as a delisted free agent in the off-season, the former Lion has made all posts a winner in defence. 

“I think it was my best game so far,” Walker told North Media after another strong performance against Hawthorn. 

“The calibre and experience of the guys around me has made it really easy. They all know what they’re doing.

“The communication and organisation between the guys is really good, and that makes it all pretty smooth sailing.”

Walker has played all four games this season and quickly become one of the Roos' first picked, alongside teammate Robbie Tarrant. 

“'Taz' (Tarrant) is awesome," he said. 

“His leadership is of a really high standard. He’s the general down there and he really sets everyone up.

“He never shows when he’s hurt, as we saw on the weekend (sore ribs), which I love.

“He takes the best talls in the comp each week and rarely gets beaten.

“I’ve got a huge amount of respect for him. He’s been huge for me personally.”

With Ben McKay and Sam Durdin finding form in the scratch matches, and Majak Daw returning from injury, Walker said the club's depth is bringing the best out of him.

“It’s really good for the club. You can’t get complacent or take your spot for granted,” he said. 

Among Walker’s admirers, defensive coach Heath Scotland.

“I was really pleased for him, he had a really good output on the weekend, having been a bit disappointed about the week before,” Scotland said.

“He’s been a great inclusion at the football club, and he and 'Taz' have worked really well, and they’ve built some great chemistry together.

“He’s been really impressive, and hopefully that starts a run of really good games for him.

“I’m new to the place as well, but he seems like part of the furniture here.

“He hasn’t seemed like a new player at all, and has a really good personality that’s made his settling in really easy.”