Sam’s the man

Falcons star to lead AFL U18 side

STANDOUT Geelong Falcons midfielder Sam Walsh will captain the AFL Academy side in an exhibition hitout against North Melbourne’s VFL side at the MCG today.

Walsh, regarded as the best midfielder in this year’s draft pool and a potential No. 1 selection, will captain the side featuring the country’s best under-18 players.

“When you think about the achievement of being named a captain for Australia, your country, it’s hard to compre- hend,” Geelong Falcons coach Dan O’Keefe said.

“What an honour this is for Sam. Although it’s not hard to believe. Anyone that knows Sam well would understand that he would be suited perfectly for this role.”

Walsh had 36 possessions, 19 handball receives and three tackles in the Falcons’ 33-point loss against Greater Western Victoria Rebels last weekend.

“Without even talking about his football ability, he is an exceptional person. Mature and determined beyond his years. Just an outstanding character,” O’Keefe said.

“I believe that this role was gained by his AIS Academy peers voting him in, but Luke Power rates him highly too.

“Both myself and everyone are extremely proud of (Falcons teammate) Ned (McHenry) and Sam to be representing their country and especially when Sam leads out his troops.”

The match starts at 11.05am as a curtain-raiser to the Melbourne-North Melbourne clash.

The Geelong Falcons take on Murray Bushrangers in Bendigo today at 3pm without their top-line players.