The dynamic forward moved onto the ball at the start of the final quarter of Saturday night’s 27-point win over Collingwood.
He had seven disposals and kicked two brilliant goals.
Lyon said Walters was serving a forward apprenticeship that only very few have been able to bypass.
“We see his ultimate destination through the midfield,” Lyon said.
“Unless you’re the (Chris) Judd’s or (Scott) Pendlebury’s, most players do an apprenticeship in the forward line.
“You look at (Jason) Akermanis and Luke Power, and (Jarryd) Blair, (who played) the small forward role.
“Then they moved into the midfield.”
Lyon said the club was grooming successors for Walters’ small forward role.
“We’ve got (Hayden) Crozier, (Josh) Simpson and (Max) Duffy, and that will move Michael into the midfield,” he said.
The senior coach had no doubts at all that Walters wouldn’t be as successful away from the big sticks.
“We know he’s got the run and smarts and courage to thrive, but that’s a little way off yet.”
