EX-FALCON NABS RISING STAR TO CAP GREAT YEAR
SAM Walsh has been crowned the AFL’s Rising Star, but do not expect the ultra-professional Carlton prodigy to bask in his success. Walsh’s status as 2019’s best emerging talent was confirmed yesterday when he became the first Blues player to take out the accolade. The No.1 draft pick, who was snared from the Geelong Falcons, polled 54 votes. Former Western Bulldogs star Luke Darcy, who gave maximum votes to Port Adelaide forward Connor Rozee, was the only member of the 11-man selection panel not to award him a perfect score. Rozee polled 42 votes and Richmond’s Sydney Stack finished third with 28. Walsh, the son of former Ocean Grove coach Wayne, is only the fourth No.1 draft pick to win the Rising Star award, following Andrew McGrath (2017), Brett Deledio (2005) and Nick Riewoldt (2002). The 19-year-old said he was eager to improve.
“I’ll enjoy it now but move on pretty quickly I reckon,” Walsh said.
“The footy world doesn’t wait for anyone and if you don’t put in the work, you won’t get rewarded.
“I know if I put in the work, I’ll be in a good place.”
Walsh played all 22 games in his debut season, averaging 25 disposals, five marks and three inside-50s.
His best performance came in Round 12 when the Blues, days after the axing of Brendon Bolton and appointment of David Teague as caretaker, posted a stunning upset win over Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium.
Walsh gathered 32 disposals and relished playing largely on-ball. He has learned from one of the game’s best in Blues skipper and midfield partner Patrick Cripps.
“He gets people to follow him in what he does,” he said. “His contest work and relentless hunt for the football is something we all admire.”
Walsh also took out the AFL Players’ Association best first-year player award, while Cripps was voted by his peers as the competition’s MVP. The pair are at the forefront of an exciting future for the Blues under Teague, who lauded Walsh’s training standards.
“At no stage did we contemplate resting him because every week we watched him train — his wellness scores, the way he prepares, his recovery was as professional as anyone,” Teague said. “He’s an elite runner, which helped, but, mentally, he’s as strong as anyone we’ve got.”