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Trade talk: The race for Carlton star Walsh is on
SEN • May 28th, 2025 1:40 pm
Clubs have got the ball rolling regarding potential future pursuits of Carlton’s Sam Walsh.
AFL Media’s Cal Twomey is reporting that a trio of Victorian clubs - Geelong, St Kilda and Hawthorn - have all made their intentions known about the Blues midfielder.
Walsh, one of three vice-captains, is contracted with Carlton until 2026.
“The big story is that Sam Walsh is a wanted man,” Twomey said on AFL.com.au’s Gettable.
“Clubs are making an early run for the Carlton superstars. The Cats, the Saints, the Hawks are among the chasing pack.
“He’s signed until 2026 as a restricted free agent but that is not stopping clubs from getting in early.
“The race for Sam Walsh’s signature has begun. It’s on.”
Twomey cannot see Walsh, a Geelong Falcons product, leaving Carlton in 2025 but he does insist the interest is serious for when he hits free agency.
“Contracted for next year, clubs want to be at the top of the queue for when he hits his free agency,” he added.
“Those three clubs are already leading they way with their interest. We know those clubs are looking for midfielders.
“Geelong and Hawthorn are looking for the same amount of players and the same players across the board. They’ve been doing that over the last couple of years.
“We know the Saints are heavy into midfielders as well. They’ve put their flag in the ground to say that they are interested and he is a wanted man.
“Clubs will be coming to him saying we want him to be our number one midfield man.”
Would he actually leave the Blues? Twomey says it seems unlikely, but that may all change depending on the future of coach Michael Voss.
He also cited recent examples of star players leaving their original clubs when it wasn't expected.
“I believe it would be hard to drag him out of Carlton,” Twomey said further.
“He’s (likely) the next captain of the footy club. But if there is significant change at the Blues at end of his year and Michael Voss isn’t there next year, he’d have had four coaches in eight seasons.
“Is that really the stability you need for a successful platform as a footy club?
“He is a big watch. No one thought Joe Daniher would leave Essendon, no one thought Jeremy Cameron would leave the Giants.”
“So clubs are getting in early and trying to force their hand.”
