SAM Walsh has yet to set a foot wrong in his first year in Navy Blue.

The 19-year-old paints an experienced figure through Carlton’s midfield, despite having only 20 senior games under his belt.

Walsh spoke to Macquarie Radio Network on the expectation of his No.1 pick label as his debut season comes to a close.

“There’s always going to be that outside noise that comes with being one of the higher draft picks: coming into the Club, my mindset was to earn the respect of the group,” Walsh said.

“To be honest, I try not to read too much into it and focus on what I can control.

“I think that’s helped put me in a pretty good stead throughout the year.”

The 2019 season has been a year of growth and learning for the young star — although you wouldn’t know that from his consistent form.

Reflecting on the learning curve of his debut year, Walsh spoke on his desire to grow week on week.

“It definitely has been a massive year. Looking back it’s gone very quick, but from an on-field perspective as a player I felt like I’ve grown so much after every game,” he said.

“I was getting to the point early on in the year where I just wanted games to come around and play because I was learning so much and wanted to take that into other games.”

Walsh has looked at home at AFL level, frequently finishing among Carlton’s best: he has averaged 26 disposals and over three clearances over his 20 games. 

One of his best performances came yesterday afternoon, when Walsh collected 31 disposals and kicked a classy goal against the reigning premier.

According to Walsh, it has been the consistent grind of senior football that has challenged the youngster in his standout first season.

“One of the biggest aspects of AFL football is just backing it up week on week,” he said.

“AFL is a continual grind and I think I’ve had good people around me and had the mindset to improve and grow and that has obviously made the season very enjoyable.”