Walsh, who suffered a horrific hamstring tear in round 10 last season, played his first match of 2014 in the Swans reserves’ 75-point win over UWS on Friday afternoon at ANZ Stadium.
Speaking to SwansTV after the game, Walsh said he was both relieved and excited to be back playing football.
“It was good to be back and more importantly to get the win,” he said.
“I was extremely rusty, but you have to start somewhere.
“I was just glad to get back out there, I’ve been waiting for it for a long time and I’d put in a lot of hard work so it was good to get a win first up and I’m just looking forward to next week and just building from there.”
Walsh played the majority of the match up forward for the reserves, alongside Lewis Roberts-Thomson and Tim Membrey.
After taking a little while to warm into the match, Walsh helped set up a couple of goals for the home side, including a fast handball off to Membrey which resulted in long goal and another goal to rookie Lloyd Perris.
After so long on the sidelines, Walsh said he had battled some nerves leading into his first match.
“Last night and this morning felt pretty strange getting ready for a game again,” he said.
“I used to do it so many (times) a year, so to not do it for 12 months was a bit different.
“I’m glad that’s all over and I’m just glad to be back to a level where I can play again.”
Walsh said he felt he improved as the match went on, adding that he was looking forward to improving each week.
“I felt like I kind of build into it in the second half,” he said.
“My hands weren’t great and I was very, very fumbly, but hopefully with the more games I play that will come.
“I suppose I was a bit anxious or nervous with this being my first game back and not really knowing what to expect, so hopefully I can just build on this week and improve my performance as the weeks go on.”
The big Irishman added that he had pulled up well after his first match and had full confidence in his hamstring.
“The hamstring is perfect, but everywhere else is sore,” he said.
“You pick up a few knocks that you don’t pick up in rehab, but it feels good to have those knocks and to be out there playing again.”
