Sam Walsh, the standout player for Carlton, completed a running session at Ikon Park on Sunday, indicating his eagerness to potentially feature in the upcoming Opening Round clash against Brisbane.
Walsh has recently experienced a recurrence of a back injury, which kept him sidelined throughout the 2022-23 summer and for the first four games of the last season. Consequently, he will not participate in Carlton’s pre-season matches against Geelong and Melbourne as the club adopts a cautious approach to his recovery.
Despite the reduced training loads leading into the season, Carlton captain Patrick Cripps noted that Walsh performed well during a weekend session, affirming his commitment to playing against the Lions.
Cripps empathized with Walsh’s frustration over the setback, acknowledging his relentless pursuit of excellence. He highlighted Walsh’s exceptional competitiveness and determination, traits that define his character both on and off the field.
The recent setback has been challenging for Walsh, but Cripps expressed confidence in his ability to overcome adversity and return to top form.
During a recent match simulation against Geelong, new recruit Elijah Hollands partially filled Walsh’s midfield role, demonstrating promise as an on-ball player. Despite Hollands’ suspension for breaching the AFL’s Illicit Drugs Policy, Cripps believes the 21-year-old will play a significant role for Carlton this season, praising his integration into the team’s system and his impressive skills as a runner and ball-user.
