Carlton No. 1 draft pick Sam Walsh receives Round 4 NAB Rising Star nomination

Carlton midfielder Sam Walsh has revealed the secret behind his stunning transition to the AFL as the 18-year-old sets a statistical record from the first four games of his career.

Sam Walsh must feel a touch cursed right now.

The Carlton midfielder, who was last year’s No. 1 draft pick, finds his Blues winless on the bottom of the AFL ladder four rounds into his AFL career.

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If that was not enough, his favourite American sport side — NBA outfit New York Knicks — also sits on the bottom of the Eastern Conference table as play-offs approach.

But while the Knicks’ season might be unsalvageable, Walsh is confident the Blues’ is and hopes to be receiving a Gatorade shower in honour of his first AFL win very soon.

“That’s something that I would love to happen and hopefully it happens this weekend,” Walsh said ahead of a clash with Western Bulldogs on Sunday.

“We’ve been in games and it’s just things like composure or stopping the opposition’s momentum a little bit more that are letting us down.

“It is frustrating but as a group we are still very positive and upbeat and united.”

Carlton’s Sam Walsh takes a contested mark against Gold Coast Suns in Round 4. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Walsh could not have contributed more for the Blues over the opening four rounds and finally received a much-deserved NAB Rising Star nomination following a 28-disposal game against Gold Coast Suns on Sunday.

Walsh logged 123 SuperCoach ranking points in that match to boost his average to 95 points — the best first four games of any No. 1 draft pick since the ranking points system was established in 2003.

Walsh lived with Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps when he first joined the Blues for pre-season training and has credited the move with helping him make the step up to the AFL so seamlessly.

“To live with him early on just to see the way he goes about his routine and the way he thinks about the game and prepares himself was awesome for my footy,” Walsh said.

Sam Walsh is congratulated after kicking a goal during the Blues’ loss to Gold Coast. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt.

“Crippa’s a great leader because he’s always positive around the group and he knows what it takes so he challenges people and also encourages people when we’re training and out on the field. He’s been unreal this year.”

The Geelong Falcons product, who grew up in Cobden in south west Victoria, is now living with teammates Darcy Lang, Will Setterfield and Matt Kennedy.

While he is learning new things every day at Princes Park, he is also taking in plenty on the home front.

“I’m learning a lot with things like cooking, being my first time living out of home,” Walsh said.

“Matt Kennedy’s a really good cook and Langers is as well actually, but Setters and I are still trying to find our feet a little bit.”