Carlton has removed reigning club champion Sam Walsh from the out-of-contract market, extending the All-Australian midfielder for four more years.
Walsh will serve as one of two vice-captains, along with Jacob Weitering, this coming season under stand-alone skipper Patrick Cripps – and is viewed as a future captain.
The No.1 pick in the 2018 draft has more than lived up to his billing with a brilliant first three seasons, including becoming the Blues’ second-youngest John Nicholls medallist last year at age 20.
He also made the All-Australian team after averaging 30 disposals, five tackles and five clearances and placed fourth in the Brownlow Medal with 30 votes.
Walsh has played all 61 senior games to start his AFL career and will now be tied to Carlton until at least the end of the 2026 season.
“The decision could not have been easier for me,” Walsh said.
“Our club has a clear direction, strong leadership, as a playing group we know what we want to achieve and I want to do everything I possibly can to get us there.
“From the moment I got drafted, this football club has been amazing for me and my family; that includes our members and supporters, I am so grateful for how they’ve embraced me from day one.
“I’ve never taken for granted what it means to pull on that navy blue guernsey. It represents so much to so many people.
“We have a real focus to make Carlton people proud, earn respect back for this football club and everyone we represent, and I am very excited to be part of that, not only this season but for years to come.”
Blues list boss Nick Austin said Walsh approached them about extending his contract.
xjmtzyw“Every accolade Sam has received since entering the AFL system has been earned,” Austin said.
“It all comes from his incredible work ethic and drive to not only make himself but everybody around him better.
“Sam’s on-field emergence has been clear for everyone to witness, but it is his growth within the four walls of this football club which is something most people don’t see but he absolutely deserves credit for.”
