Carlton rookie Sam Walsh a certain starter in Round 1, says Matthew Lloyd

Steve Orme

Carlton rookie Sam Walsh a certain starter in Round 1, says Matthew Lloyd image

Rookie midfielder Sam Walsh has already done enough to secure his place in the Blues’ 22-man squad to face the Richmond Tigers in the 2019 AFL season opener at the MCG, according to Matthew Lloyd.

The Blues selected the Geelong Falcons product with the number-one overall pick in the 2018 draft.

It has been an off-season from hell for the Blues with Alex Fasolo the latest Carlton player to suffer an injury after breaking his arm in an off-field incident on Saturday.

But Essendon great Lloyd has delivered some much-needed good news for Blues fans after his recent visit to Carlton’s training headquarters.

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“Walsh at Carlton, I know it’s the obvious one, but Sam Walsh, he is (setting standards),” Lloyd said of the 18-year-old on 3AW’s Sportsday.

“Apart from his physical size they’re saying what Sam Walsh is doing is just phenomenal.

“So they said they’ve already got his magnet in for (the Round 1 clash against) Richmond on that Thursday night (March 21).

“But that’s how well (he’s going), he’s just dominating in everything he’s doing.”

Lloyd added 20-game forward Charlie Curnow is also primed for a breakout season for the Blues.

“And Charlie Curnow also they said lookout … he’s sort of like Kouta (Blues legend Anthony Koutoufides) when he’s at his best,” Lloyd said.

Sam Docherty (ACL), Liam Jones (broken hand), Jarrod Pickett (knee), Matthew Kruezer (knee), new recruit Mitch McGovern (back) and Fasolo are all battling injuries after a nightmarish off-season for the Blues.

 

Steve Orme

Steve Orme Photo