THREE-TIME Sam Walsh.
Completing the trifecta since he arrived in the AFL, the Carlton young gun has once again been named in the 22under22 side.
And this time, he’s captain.
Receiving 89 per cent of the vote, there was never really any doubt of Walsh appearing in the annual fan-decided team which celebrates the best young talent from across the competition.
Named in the All-Australian squad of 40, Walsh took his already impressive game to another level in 2021.
Walsh’s class, physicality and running power were key in the on-baller stamping himself as one of the in-form midfielders in the AFL at just 21 years of age.
After excelling on the wing the season prior, Walsh proved his merits as a genuine inside midfielder, amassing just shy of 30 disposals a game. The midfield gun also kicked 12 goals, while ranking No.1 at the Blues for tackles, uncontested possessions and score involvements.
Walsh’s ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him most was the prime example of his leadership which ultimately saw him named as captain of the representative side.
Kicking match-sealing goals against Fremantle (Round 16) and Collingwood (Round 18), Walsh also starred in Carlton’s wins against Essendon, Hawthorn and St Kilda.
Walsh joins teammate Jacob Weitering and fellow 2019 NAB AFL/AFLW Rising Star winner Madison Prespakis as the only Blues with three 22under22 nods.
