No.1 pick Sam Walsh starring in practice match against Hawthorn

It’s been a tough off-season at Carlton but things are looking up. It was only one practice match but Sam Walsh is everything that has been advertised and then some. JON RALPH breaks down what the Blues fans can expect.

Charlie Curnow escapes the clutches of Conor Glass. Picture: Getty Images

Patrick Cripps is the current King of Carlton, but he might soon have an heir apparent.

The No.1 pick in last year’s draft, Sam Walsh, on Thursday had Carlton supporters clapping his every possession in an Ikon Park practice match against Hawthorn.

On the scoreboard at least not too much has changed yet for Brendon Bolton’s Blues, who were able to kick only four goals in the first three quarters and eventual 24-point losers

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But for the Blues faithful — a mix of suits and tradies keen to catch a glimpse of the improving Carlton side — it was worth begging off work an hour early.

Walsh’s was simply exceptional.

Don’t worry about whether he plays Round 1, the Blues might have the kind of player who will run Cripps close in the best-and-fairest by season’s end.

He racked up countless possessions through the centre corridor, continually attacking the opposition by hand and foot.

One possession, as he shimmied away an opponent with a swivel of the hips, had fans on their feet applauding his poise and class.

Sam Walsh tries to break a tackle in a practice game against the Hawks at Ikon Park. Picture: Getty Images

Former captain Marc Murphy copped a knock on the knee but the Blues said he had only been slated to play three quarters and had pulled up well.

Assistant coach David Teague said Walsh had only continued on from his stunning summer training form.

Think I saw the 2021 Brownlow medallist today. Sam Walsh. Just wow. Someone asked who he plays like. Maybe a bit in the manner of Cotchin when he is in attack mode. Shoulders hunched, urgent, always pressuring, uses it well. Fans went nuts for him https://t.co/5j9n7kRt6z

— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) February 21, 2019

“He has been outstanding. The intensity he trains at allows him to play like that,” he said.

“He just works hard and competes and if you bring a bit of talent you are a chance. The way he applies himself and trains, I have never seen a first-year player train at that intensity.

“So I think he’s prepared himself really well and I look forward to watching his season this year.”

Jacob Weitering takes a strong mark. Picture: Getty Images

Michael Gibbons applied pressure in a half forward role alongside Ed Curnow, playing in a new position this summer.

And Mitch McGovern took several strong marks as the Blues attempt to work through teething issues playing McGovern, Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay as key forwards.

With Zac Fisher absent and Patrick Cripps playing AFLX on Friday night, the Blues midfield took time to gain some composure.

But a handful of young Blues looked to have put the summer to good use.

Sam Petrevski-Seton had dash and intent, Lochie O’Brien won the ball at will and David Cuningham kicked a pair of first-half goals.

The Blues clearly lack a talented small forward, with Cam Poulson a pressuring forward and Jack Silvagni still trying to lock down a position.

Jack Silvagni is tackled by Jarman Impey. Picture: Getty Images

But at times it was apparent just how tough it will be to defend their tall timber.

One second-quarter passage of play saw Walsh receive the ball from Ed Curnow, who hit up McGovern, who spun and found Charlie Curnow on the lead.

If the midfield can find a way to whip the ball inside 50 with pace there will be times that tall trio have a field day.

Jarrod Garlett was tried as a running defender but a handful of deep defensive turnovers were costly, against highlighting the loss of backline general Sam Docherty.