Sam Walsh’s ‘worry’: How Carlton’s superstar mid made his way back from injury concerns

In January, Sam Walsh was worried about his season. Six months on, the superstar is tearing up the MCG on a weekly basis. He tells JAY CLARK about how he’s managing his injury – and his expectations.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 30: Sam Walsh of the Blues celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 16 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Carlton Blues at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 30, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

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There was a period over summer when Sam Walsh was starting to worry.

His back injury had flared up again after hurting it two years ago, prompting another decent spell on the sidelines and a delayed start to the 2024 season.

For one of the game’s best midfielders, who loves getting in the hard work, the back issue threatened to put a massive dent in the Blues’ premiership aspirations.

But as Patrick Cripps secured another three Brownlow Medal votes after taking over in the third term to put Richmond to the sword at the MCG on Sunday, it was Walsh who showed his recovery from the serious back trouble was complete with another superb performance in the 61-point rout.

Sam Walsh celebrates kicking a goal on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Walsh not only banged home another two goals from his 26 disposals, Carlton’s running machine also racked up a whopping 10 tackles and 11 score involvements as the Blues’ march towards a deep run into September continued.

The brilliant onballer, who turns 24 on Tuesday, admitted there were some tough times dealing with the injury across January.

But after changing his approach to things to help manage his back issue, and cranking up the pilates and core-strengthening exercises, Walsh hasn’t looked back in 2024.

“At the start I was a little worried, and it wasn’t the most enjoyable time, but I spoke to the right people and I am a really process-driven person,” he said.

“So now for me it’s all the work before training to activate areas in my back, post-training strengthening, and pilates has played a big part in that.

“So they are the things that have allowed me to get back.

“And I manage a few other things, like doing a few less ground balls, a few less kicks. They are the things I have got smarter on.

“If I can get after all that I know I have done the work and I feel good from there.”

There were big smiles again on Sunday as the Blues annihilated the Tigers off turnover and enjoyed another balanced load through one of the most damaging midfield units in the game.

If Cripps or Walsh doesn’t get the opposition, Adam Cerra, Matthew Kennedy, who hurt his knee late in the victory, or the Hollands brothers will.

Walsh said the cohesion and synergy in the Carlton onball unit felt as good as it ever has as the Blues chase their first flag since 1995.

“That is what good teams are able to do, because they’ve got guys who bring different things to the table,” he said.

“The way we are playing we are embracing everyone’s individual strengths, and that is what makes us harder to stop.

“Because if you try and clamp down on one, the others will give you problems.

“I feel like we are communicating really well out on the field, and that is a sign of a good team, because we know where each other are.

“We are really playing together and it is our second or third season playing together with Chez (Cerra) and George (Hewett) in there and it has been a really nice mix.

“We have still got a fair bit to go, there’s a lot of improvement there still, because Chez came in for his first game back today.

Sam Walsh celebrates after his side’s win over Richmond. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“But we want to keep being a consistent team. There are nine games to go and hopefully more from there.”

Walsh was excellent in the win over Geelong last weekend, too, where he gathered 33 touches and kicked a goal, prompting a unique goal celebration dusting his shoulders.

And considering his back troubles, it is pleasing to see the superstar ballwinner enjoy his footy.

The Geelong Falcons’ product said the celebration was inspired by former teammate and house mate Paddy Dow as he left the house last week.

“Before I was walking out the door he said ‘Have you got a celebration up your sleeve’?” Walsh said.

“I said ‘No, have you got one for me?’ and he dusted dirt off his shoulders, so that was a bit of fun.

“We carry on a little bit with the goal celebrations but it is the best part of the game kicking a goal.”