Rising Star favourite Sam Walsh on cusp of becoming most prolific first-year player in 20 years

Has Sam Walsh had the best first-year campaign in the history of the Rising Star award? The Carlton jet is on the cusp of another record in a remarkable debut season.

Sam Walsh wins another possession for Carlton as he closes in on the record. Picture: Michael Klein

Carlton sensation Sam Walsh is 10 possessions away from becoming the most prolific first-year midfielder in two decades.

The Geelong Falcons’ product is certain to win the Rising Star award for an outstanding debut season racking up 530 possessions across 21 games.

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He needs only 10 more disposals against Geelong on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium to surpass Toby Greene’s record of 539 touches in a season, the most of any first-year player since Champion Data begin recording statistics since 1999.

Geelong ball magnet Tim Kelly is third on the list with 526 possessions last year, ahead of Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell’s 493 (2011) and Jaeger O’Meara 476 (2013).

Sam Walsh is 10 disposals away from the most prolific debut year recorded by Champion Data. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos.

Walsh, who has played every game this season, is a chance to finish top-three in the club’s best and fairest, behind co-captain Patrick Cripps.

While Port Adelaide’s Connor Rozee and Richmond’s Sydney Stack have turned games with their considerable speed and skill, neither can match Walsh’s supreme consistency.

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The man who was likened to Greater Western Sydney jet Josh Kelly in his draft class has averaged 25 possessions a game this season and has only dipped below 20 touches in three matches this year.

Two of those have come in the past fortnight, fuelling suggestions the 19-year-old is finally beginning to tire.

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Injured co-captain Sam Docherty said the No. 1 draft pick’s impeccable training habits set him up for a brilliant debut season in navy blue.

“I have got absolutely no doubt he’s going to be a superstar because of the way he trains,” Docherty said.

“I’ve never said that about a first-year player. Most first year players come in … and they’re horrendous trainers.

Sam Walsh wins another possession for Carlton as he closes in on the record. Picture: Michael Klein

“(Most struggle with the load) but he was completely opposite. We were all watching him and he was pretty much one of our best trainers from day one.

“That’s got a bit to do with his running ability, but it’s also the intensity that he trains at.”

“You can see him when he plays, he does exactly the same at training which sets you up to be an elite player in terms of building your habits.”

Originally published as Rising Star favourite Sam Walsh on cusp of becoming most prolific first-year player in 20 years