Speaking after winning his second medal on Wednesday night, the Saints full-forward tipped the decider to be one of the closest battles in years.
Clough, who has not played since July 27 because of a leg injury, said on receipt of his mark of the year prize that he would be back in the side this weekend.
Walsh, who polled six best on ground votes in the last eight rounds to win the medal from Lukas Ehlich and Brenton Powell, said it would be tough for Clough to find his feet immediately on the big stage.
"He's a good player of course but he wouldn't have the match fitness behind him and he's got a crook ankle, so good luck to him," Walsh said.
"If he's not 100 per cent he'll get found out."
It was a more reserved Walsh than the one who accepted his maiden Crathern Medal in 2006 at the back end of Mad Monday celebrations.
Back then the 26-year-old gave Norma Crathern a hug she still remembers and showed off his kicking style to the full audience.
On Wednesday night the 33-year-old father-of-two was a little more eloquent when speaking of his record-breaking 134-goal home and away season.
"She's still got the photo of us together and said no one's ever given her a hug like that before," Walsh laughed.
"I was mimicking my kicking routine it was bit embarrassing in hindsight but a bit of a laugh. But I never thought I'd have the opportunity to walk up there again. I'm very humbled and don't really feel worthy considering the quality players in the league."
Walsh left his run late, finding form after captaining Cairns to a win against Sydney midway through the year and taking his form back to club level.
"That game was definitely the catalyst; we had such a good trip away," he said.
"It gave me motivation and the back half of the season is the best I've played for as long as I can remember."
Undecided on his future beyond Saturday's final, Walsh said a win would make it easier for him to retire.
And after being kept goal-less in the semi-final he wants to contribute more.
"Maybe I do, maybe I don't. I'm just feeling fresh and primed. You want to be kicking bags of goals against the top teams and what better day to do it than on Saturday," he said.