Riewoldt: “Quite fitting” that Walsh debuts in AFL season opener

Nick Riewoldt says Sam Walsh’s composure and ball-winning ability will be on show for all to see tonight.

The reigning number one draft pick steps out for Carlton for the first time in the 2019 season opener against Richmond in what will be a packed house at the MCG.

St Kilda champion Riewoldt, who was the first selection in the 2000 draft, has already been impressed by Walsh during the pre-season and feels this is an apt scenario for the promising teenager.

“It’s quite fitting really, that the number one pick, he gets the first opportunity of all the draftees to set the bar,” Riewoldt said on SEN’s Whateley.

“No doubt we’ll all be sitting around tomorrow morning talking about a great debut because he just looks like a player that’s going to get the ball.

“The one difference is, he finds it, but we’ve seen already in a small sample size the composure, the ability to burst. So not get the ball and feel like you’ve got to get rid of it straight away.

“That as a young player is generally what takes the most time, is to find that composure when you are in possession.

“He’s already got it.”

Walsh is one of six new players who will don the navy blue for the first time in Round 1 alongside Mitch McGovern, Alex Fasolo, Will Setterfield, Nic Newman and Michael Gibbons.

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