“But I think there’d be some very surprised people down Carlton way if Sam Walsh had not re-signed before Round 1 of the AFL season.”
Walsh has been rumoured to depart the Blues for some time now, with the likes of Geelong, St Kilda and Hawthorn all previously showing strong interest in acquiring his talents.
However, the 2021 Brownlow Medal fourth-place finisher now seems likely to remain a Blue, with the potential to be named Patrick Cripps’ successor as captain down the track too.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Sam Walsh of the Blues in action during the 2023 AFL First Elimination Final match between the Carlton Blues and the Sydney Swans at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 08, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Walsh was a highly touted leader throughout his junior football career and has been a member of Carlton’s leadership group for the last six years. He was first included in their leadership group in 2020, aged just 19.
Now, at 25, the star midfielder looks primed to take on more responsibility in the coming years as he gets his body back to full strength.
Moreover, it’s interesting to note the timing of this report. When Walsh last penned an extension with Carlton, he did so in February ahead of the 2022 season – a similar timeframe to this potential next deal being inked.
Walsh and the Blues will take on former Carlton star Charlie Curnow and the Sydney Swans at the SCG to launch the 2026 AFL season on Thursday, March 5.