Walker will undergo surgery on his middle finger on Tuesday after suffering tendon damage in last weekend’s loss to Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock.

Coach Joel Price conceded Walker would be near impossible to replace.

“We are holding out hope that Beau will be back but we would have to make at least a preliminary final for that to happen,” Price said.

“It’s disappointing because he’s a great kid and has taken his game to another level this year.

“He would walk into any Ovens and Murray side at the moment.

“I rate him and Doswell (Brett) as the best midfielders in the comp.

“He’s gone to elite this year.

“He will be a big loss but we will look to get some improvement out of everyone and it provides an opportunity for players to step up.

“We’re remaining positive and are still in a strong position.”

Walker, who finished runner-up to Jamarl O’Sullivan in the 2012 Azzi medal, has been sensational for the Spiders over the past two months.

Howlong can virtually stitch up second position by defeating Henty at Howlong on Saturday.

“They have had the wood on us over the past few years,” Price said.

“I think they are the only side we haven’t beaten in my time at Howlong.

“It’s another one of those crucial games because whoever wins looks like finishing in the top two.”

Henty is hopeful of regaining Harrison Macreadie from GWS reserves while Trent Keller is also a possibility of returning from an Achilles injury.

Price has been re-appointed as coach of Howlong for another 12 months.

The left-footer said he was excited about the Spiders’ future, particularly with ruckman Peter Hancock also re-committing.

“I think we are really well placed,” Price said.

“Having players like Peter Hancock back is terrific for the club and we have kids like Ben Baker, Max Barraclough, Blake Williams, Henry Smith and Scott Robinson who have stepped up.

“There will be another group from the thirds pushing up again next year.

“It’s a good position to be in.”

In other matches, CDHBU host Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock.

The Power are coming off the bye and will get few better opportunities to beat the injury-stricken ladder leader.

Lockhart will fancy its chances of upsetting rivals Osborne.

Shane Lenon’s line-up upset Jindera last weekend and Mitch Sykes, Tom Alexander and Nick Hynes will be eager for another scalp.

Walla will start slight favourites against Culcairn at Walla.

Holbrook, Rand-Walbundrie and Jindera have byes this weekend.