Carlton midfielder Sam Walsh will have to weigh up his options as it was revealed that a host of Victorian clubs are beginning their pursuit of his services.
Walsh, who is contracted until the end of 2026, is one of the Blues' highest-paid players, and after being taken with Pick 1 in 2018, will hit restricted free agency next year.
AFL Media's Cal Twomey believes that Geelong, St Kilda and Hawthorn are already gearing up to make an all-out attack for the on-baller after noting the need to bolster their midfield brigade.
"Blockbuster bids coming for Carlton's midfield star Sam Walsh," Twomey said on Gettable.
"Sam Walsh is a wanted man. Clubs are making early plays, and an early run for the Carlton superstar.
"The Cats, Saints and 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."
Interestingly, Walsh's midfield time has dipped in 2025 as Carlton coach Michael Voss continues to tinker with its mix.
Last year, the 24-year-old attended 69.9 per cent of centre bounces on average, with that number reducing to 54.7 per cent, his lowest in five seasons.
It begs the question whether the Saints and Cats can offer him more midfield minutes, which is where he played the majority of his junior career, and has forged a strong start in the AFL, claiming an All-Australian blazer in 2021 with a 67.7 per cent attendance at centre-bounce stoppages.
The link to Geelong is also strong after he was drafted from the Geelong Falcons, whilst also playing for St Joseph's in the Geelong Football Netball League (GFNL).
St Kilda's glaring list vacancy in the midfield means they're within a shot of luring Walsh to Moorabbin, who could potentially team up with current teammate Tom De Koning, who is being heavily courted by the Saints.
