Consistency key for Walsh as Blues seek to end drought

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Consistency key for Walsh as Blues seek to end drought

Carlton vice-captain Sam Walsh has declared consistency key to the Michael Voss-led side fulfilling its potential as a genuine AFL premiership threat next year.

Pre-season flag fancies, the Blues scraped into the finals this year and were emphatically knocked out by eventual premiers Brisbane in week one.

It was a huge let-down for a large and long-suffering supporter base following the previous year’s preliminary final appearance.

Walsh said the Blues will be driven more by ambition than pressure in 2025, as they seek to end a flag drought that has reached its 30th year.

“As a group I think we are pretty ambitious and those goals will probably stay in-house, but we’ve got to let our footy do the talking,” Walsh said on Wednesday.

“We want to play a powerful brand on the offensive end and defensive end.

“The growth comes from our consistency because we know that’s wavered the past couple of years.

“It’s easy to be feeling fresh now, but how can we emulate that when we’re at round 13-14 and still bring that same energy?”

Walsh has been troubled by ongoing back issues over the past two years, but hopes an uninterrupted summer program can set him up to play a big role in Carlton’s flag bid.

“The biggest thing for me is getting a full pre-season under my belt,” the 24-year-old said.

“I do that by putting in the work and listening to my body, which I have been.

“From there, I want to really get after my power running, which is the way the game’s going.

“A lot of the boys have shown growth in that area and that’s what I’m going after too.”

Walsh has established himself as one of Carlton’s most important midfielders alongside skipper Patrick Cripps over 119 games, but only now believes he is reaching his prime.

“My body’s getting to that stage where you’re starting to feel fairly developed and the work you put in throughout those (previous) five or six years compounds,” Walsh said.

“I feel I can really get after it and am starting to know my game really well and how that complements the midfield.”

More than three months out from the Blues’ season opener against Richmond, Walsh is already excited by the prospect of lining up alongside No.3 draft pick Jagga Smith.

The Oakleigh Chargers product arrives with huge expectation on his shoulders, as Walsh did as the top draft pick in 2018.

“He’s fairly competitive, which is what you like,” Walsh said of his fellow midfielder.

“Guys that have played a high level for so long just know what it takes, and he’s shown that.

“He’s had a bit of that leadership quality, and it will be cool to see him grow as well.”

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