Walsh is Falcons’ No.1

POTENTIAL No.1 draft pick Sam Walsh underlined his standing as an elite talent, winning the Geelong Falcons’ best-and-fairest last night, despite missing a third of the season.

Walsh polled in all 12 games he played to win the Falcons’ Norris Harding award on 82 votes, five clear of Brayden Ham (77) and likely Cats father-son Oscar Brownless (66).

Fourth-placed Blake Schlensog (54) is also on Geelong’s radar as part of its Next Generation Academy, meaning the Cats can apply for priority access to him in this year’s draft.

Walsh’s success is all the more noteworthy given he missed six matches this season because of representative honours.

Cooper Cartledge won the Falcons’ trademark player of the year award, voted on by the playing list.

In other awards, draft hopeful Connor Idun won the most dedicated award; leading goalkicker Ham received the high performance manager’s award; Doyle Madigan was most consistent; Schlensog took home the football manager’s award; and Cooper Cartledge won the talent manager’s award.

Brownless, who won the Falcons’ best finals player, is set to join Geelong, with the Cats committed to nominating for him in this year’s draft.

Last night’s awards come a day after the AFL released its latest intake for the 2018-19 academy squads.

The Falcons selected are Henry Walsh (St Joseph’s), Cooper Stephens (Colac), Jesse Clark (St Joseph’s); Noah Gadsby (Torquay), Tanner Bruhn (Newtown & Chilwell) and Darcy Chirgwin (St Mary’s) FALCONS B+F TOP 10 1. Sam Walsh (82 votes); 2. Brayden Ham (77); 3. Oscar Brownless (66); 4. Blake Schlensog (54); 5. Cooper Stephens (48); 6. Connor Idun (47); 7. Cooper Cartledge (43); 8. Dane Hollenkamp (38); 9. Doyle Madigan (35); 10. Lachlan Smith (33)