Walker, 20, has been back home in Tasmania enjoying much needed rest after three years of almost non-stop football.

A bones stress complaint in his foot is another reason for the short break, but he’ll return to red and white fray on Monday as pre-season heats up.

Last season, Walker enjoyed a breakthrough campaign after Heart sold Socceroo right back Michael Marrone to the Chinese Super League.

The  defender was one of the few bright spots in a generally disappointing season for John Aloisi’s men, bedevilled by poor form on the road.

Missing out on the A-League finals lead to some truths being hammered home post-season.

And it’s one reason why he senses this time around, red and white fans may have something to cheer about next May.

“The club reassessed things at the end of the season. We had quite a few chats with the team and changes were made with players brought in who the club think will benefit the club,” the Ulverstone-born defender told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“At the moment the level we’ve got in pre-season is outstanding. We’ve lifted the intensity and the attitude of everyone there is really ready to work.”

Harry Kewell along with former Ajax and Roda JC central defender Rob Wielaert will provide the class and experience this season, while A-League names Massimo Murdocca and Iain Ramsay are quality signings.

These signings should boost the club's modest fan-base as crowds rise across the league.

Heart’s squad is building nicely too, but it won’t mean anything if the club fails to make another finals.

“Having a disappointing season last year maybe was a wake-up call for a few players,” Walker said.

“And even the younger boys like maybe myself and a few other boys were content with having decent seasons.

“But now it’s business time for us and we need to perform for our fans and really consolidate a finals spot and go on and win the thing."

And after missing out, a little surprisingly, on a spot in the Young Socceroos for Turkey, Walker’s motivation levels are even higher ahead of this new season.

Heart kick off their season with a Melbourne Derby on Saturday October 12 at Etihad Stadium.

Walker added: “We usually do well in the derbies and it’s good start off with a positive mindset in such a game. There’ll be no excuses for slacking off. No doubt about that.

“If anyone is slacking, they’ll be pulled into line,” added Walker, who came through Heart’s youth team and also had experience in the VPL with Oakleigh Cannons.

“And my first goal is to start the first game of the season and I’ll set more goals after that.”

*For Jeremy Walker’s tips on attacking from deep, head to our Performance website  http://performance.fourfourtwo.com/au next week.