DESPITE averaging 33 disposals in his first two weeks back in action, Sam Walsh knows he still has plenty to work on.

The reigning John Nicholls Medallist was once again prolific at the MCG on Sunday afternoon, collecting 32 disposals and registering six inside 50s in the win over Hawthorn.

It was another happy statistical return for Walsh at the home of football, where he has averaged over 31 possessions across his last 10 games at the venue.

However, having made his return from ankle surgery against the Western Bulldogs in Round 2, Walsh - when speaking on SEN Breakfast - was transparent with his desire to fine-tune aspects of his game.

With no practice matches leading into the 2022 home-and-away campaign, Walsh said he would continue working into games with more match time under his belt.

“There have been elements of the game where I’ve been a fair bit scratchy. That hasn’t been due to the ankle, but more just getting into the intensity of AFL footy again,” Walsh said.

“I’ve got some really good things to take away from the first two games, and also looking to jell with the new midfielders that we’ve got.”

The questions were bound to come from Garry Lyon and Tim Watson about Walsh’s recovery from that ankle injury, with the All Australian initially slated to miss at least the first month of the season.

The No.18 clarified that there was no element of rushing his return, but rather that he achieved the right markers earlier than what was previously scheduled.

“With the injury itself, I just wanted to tick every box I could,” he said.

“It’s got a timeline, but it is based off what symptoms you feel. Once you get that surgery, the syndesmosis is as strong as what it usually was.

“It’s about getting movement. I was able to do that pretty quickly, which has allowed me to come back and try and help out the team.”

It’s well-documented that Walsh was a Brisbane supporter growing up. After missing in Round 1 and Michael Voss under AFL Health and Safety Protocols in Round 2, the weekend marked the first game where Walsh was directly under the Senior Coach’s tutelage in-game.

The 21-year-old reflected on his first encounter with Voss, which was consistent with that of a number of his teammates.

“I went for a walk with ‘Vossy’ around Princes Park and I think a lot of the boys did as well. I know he’s got pretty crook knees from his playing days, so he might have been struggling after that!

“He’s got a great footy brain, but myself and a lot of the boys were just trying to get to know him. For him to do that from day one started to develop those strong relationships

“After that walk, I thought ‘there’s no wonder why he’s been touted as one of the best leaders to do it’. When he speaks, there’s real weight and power behind it.

“He’s been doing a great job along with the other assistants.”