Nine months after arriving at Carlton as a No.1 draft pick and a “ready-made” footballer, Sam Walsh is set to be crowned the AFL’s Rising Star.
Walsh is all but certain to claim a landslide victory on Friday after breaking the record for most disposals in a season for a first-year player.
The supremely gifted 19-year-old played all 22 games for the Blues, averaging 25 disposals, five marks and three inside-50s.
He is poised to become just the fourth No.1 draft pick to win the Rising Star award, following in the footsteps of Andrew McGrath (2017), Brett Deledio (2005) and Nick Riewoldt (2002).
Carlton coach David Teague says Walsh has been a consummate professional since the moment he arrived at Ikon Park last November.
“The reason he’s been able to do what he does is because of who he is,” Teague said.
“Obviously his parents have brought him up really well. He trains as hard as anyone, he prepares as well as anyone.
“He’s walked into this football club a ready-made AFL footballer and that’s why he’s been able to do what he did this year, because of his preparation, his mindset.”
A smooth-moving midfielder capable of winning his own ball, Walsh has learned from one of the game’s best in Blues skipper Patrick Cripps.
The pair are at the forefront of an exciting future for the Blues, who sacked coach Brendon Bolton mid-season but finished strongly under Teague’s leadership.
“(Walsh) loves a challenge, he takes on feedback,” Teague told RSN radio.
“He apologises anytime he gets something wrong, which is probably his only flaw right now. He’s trying to be perfect with the ball and sometimes it’s like ‘mate, just kick the ball forward’.
“He’s been outstanding and he brings a great energy to our group, particularly around training.”
Richmond’s Sydney Stack, Port Adelaide’s Connor Rozee and Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith are also likely to poll well.