IN just four short weeks, Sam Walsh has cemented himself as one of Carlton’s most influential players for the future.

The exciting young midfielder walked away with the NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his Round 4 showing against Gold Coast.

Walsh spoke to media on Tuesday in the wake of the announcement, saying it was a “huge honour”.

“It’s something I’ve been working pretty hard for,” he said.

“It would have been good to get it after a win but nonetheless it is nice to get that recognition.”

Walsh was selected with pick No.1 at the 2018 NAB AFL Draft and has slotted into life at the Blues seamlessly. 

“I’ve improved so much training every day and trying to use the resources around me,” he said of the transition.

The youngster has had an outstanding start to his AFL career, averaging 26 disposals and five clearances over just four senior games.

Yet to secure their first win, Walsh shared in the Blues’ disappointment after their two-point defeat to Gold Coast.

“All the players after the game were very disappointed because we thought it was a game that we should have won,” he said.

“We’re a united group so we just have to keep moving forward now and learn from those mistakes individually and as a team.”

Walsh will no doubt feature heavily again through the midfield against the Western Bulldogs in Round 5.

“They’re obviously a great side and good in the contest,” he said of the opponent.

“If we match them in the midfield then we should have a good shot at winning.”

With the Blues still in pursuit of the four points, Walsh is confident it is only a matter of time before the hard work begins to pay off.

“Individually, I’ve learnt so much from my first four games of AFL football,” he said.

“AFL is massive game of momentum through weeks so as soon as we get that first win hopefully we can just keep rolling on.”