IT was a surreal debut for Sam Walsh.

And you get the feeling that he’s only just getting started. 

The No.1 draft pick collected 24 disposals in a composed debut in the Navy Blue, showing no signs of being overawed by the occasion in front of over 85,000 people. 

Walsh said the ability to play alongside his new teammates and in front of a capacity crowd was an incredible experience.

“I didn’t know what to expect. I was so excited to play with the boys and the crowd was insane,” Walsh said.

“I loved it, I loved the experience. It would’ve been good to get the win.”

The Blues were well and truly on the back foot early, with Richmond kicking the first six goals of the game.

What was most pleasing for Carlton supporters was that its younger brigade — including Walsh, David Cuningham and Will Setterfield — were catalysts in the fightback. 

The first-gamer said the Blues were always confident that they could work their way back into the game.
“I mentioned to a few of the boys how electric it felt. We really thought we could claw it back and win the game,” he said.

“The crowd got up and about and we got a run-on with things. We’ve got a few things to work on, but there were definitely a few positive signs.”

One of the most memorable things for Walsh was the fact that he ran out in his debut alongside Carlton’s newest 250-gamer.

As the man who provided the assist for his third-quarter goal, Walsh said the veteran already had a profound impact on his short career so far.

“Marc’s been amazing. His guidance and leadership and he’s just a great bloke as well — you love playing with people like him,” he said.

“To see him play well tonight, kick that goal and everyone get around him — it would’ve been great to get the win.”