A STIRRING second half of the season will have Carlton full of confidence with 2019 coming to a close.

Familiar faces fired in Navy Blue while the Club’s emerging youngsters owned the future in a campaign which saw the Blues record seven wins for the year.

With the home-and-away season now over, we’re going through every player who featured for Carlton at senior level in 2019.

Here’s the year that was for Carlton’s No. 18, Sam Walsh.

GAMES

2019: 22

GOALS

2019: 6

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 554 (25.2) Marks: 113 (5.1) Contested possessions: 212 (9.6) Tackles: 70 (3.2) Clearances: 71 (3.2) Presser Acts: 481 (21.9)

OVERVIEW

As far as fairytale debut seasons are concerned, the way that Sam Walsh emerged on the scene in 2019 would have to be among the best.

The first-year Blue impressed at every turn, playing every game in 2019 and being recognised by the competition as the 2019 NAB AFL Rising Star -- the first in Carlton’s AFL history.

From the moment he debuted in Round 1 in front of 85,016 people, Walsh looked at home at senior level and never faltered thereafter. 

Collecting 25 or more disposals on 13 occasions, Walsh quickly became one of Carlton’s leading ball-winners, averaging 25.2 disposals (9.6 contested) come season’s end.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Consistency was the hallmark of Walsh’s debut year in Navy Blue, but his standout performance in the Blues’ come-from-behind win over Brisbane can’t be ignored.

As the Blues came from the clouds, Walsh was at the forefront of the action at Marvel Stadium, racking up a season-high 32 disposals and six clearances for his efforts.

The winning combination of Patrick Cripps and Walsh - dubbed ‘Batman and Robin’ on the day - made all the difference in Round 12 as the Blues ran away with the 15-point victory.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

Walsh’s first goal and sealer against Sydney and the Western Bulldogs were memorable moments in a brilliant season.

However, it was Walsh’s solo goal in Round 20 against the reigning premiers which showed what the 19-year-old was truly capable of.

Gathering on the edge of the 50, Walsh shook off his opponent with a pirouette before straightening up and converting truly for a major worthy of the Goal of the Year nomination.

With a number of spectacular plays in his debut season, it was the roar of the crowd which capped off this season highlight from the youngster.

THEY SAID IT

There was no lack of praise for Walsh following his breakout debut year, but perhaps the best came from the senior coach himself.

David Teague was not surprised to see the young gun win the 2019 NAB AFL Rising Star award. 

“‘Walshy’ impressed the whole club as soon as he walked through the doors at Ikon Park: his training intensity and appetite to learn and grow as a player was clear for us all to see from day one,” Teague said.

“At just 19 years of age, he would be up there with the best trainers I have seen and that allows him to prepare well week in, week out – that’s why he was so consistent this season.”