Carlton's rising star Sam Walsh has signed a contract extension with the Blues until the end of the 2026 season.
The club confirmed on Monday morning that Walsh has penned a four-year extension, which will take him into free agency at the end of his new deal.
Walsh thrived in a career-best campaign last year, earning an All-Australian selection, best and fairest honours, a podium finish in the Zero Hanger MVP and a fourth-place finish in the Brownlow count.
Walsh told Carlton Media that signing the new deal was a simple decision to make.
“The decision could not have been easier for me – our club has a clear direction, strong leadership, as a playing group we know what we want to achieve and I want to do everything I possibly can to get us there,” Walsh said.
“From the moment I got drafted this football club has been amazing for me and my family, that includes our members and supporters, I am so grateful for how they’ve embraced me from day one.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
“I’ve never taken for granted what it means to pull on that navy blue guernsey, it represents so much to so many people.
“We have a real focus to make Carlton people proud, earn respect back for this football club and everyone we represent, and I am very excited to be part of that, not only this season but for years to come.”
Walsh was appointed co-captain of the Blues last week as part of a new-look leadership group under Patrick Cripps and coach Michael Voss.
The 21-year-old has played 61 games for the Blues since making his debut in 2019, amassing an average of 25.56 disposals, 5.13 marks, 3.54 tackles, 3.59 clearances and 9.95 contested possessions across his three-year career.
Walsh's decision to re-sign adds to a strong past 12 months of retention at Princes Park, with Cripps and Coleman Medal winner Harry McKay inking extensions last season.
