Football great Chris Judd has hailed the “exciting” form of Carlton wonderkid Sam Walsh.
Judd, the Blues’ outgoing football director, dual Brownlow medallist and premiership-winning superstar, said Walsh’s stunning work ethic and drive were behind the bright start to his career.
While conscious of getting carried away with what Walsh could be, Judd said the 20-year-old should instead be celebrated for what he is showing now in only his third year.
“I’m the same as everyone. As an onlooker I just reckon he is going brilliantly,” Judd told SEN.com.au.
“You hope he keeps going how he is, but you understand at that age guys still get tired and sore and it’s usually around the fifth of six season when the consistent years come, but he’s been brilliant.”
Asked about Walsh’s insatiable work ethic from contest to contest in games, Judd said: “It’s pretty amazing, isn’t it?
“He just doesn’t ever really stand still, does he? He’s not an outside mid, but he runs like one, while still being able to win his own ball and stand up in contests already, at what is a pretty young age.”
Walsh’s training methods at Ikon Park have drawn comparisons to that of Judd, who crossed from West Coast to Carlton six years into his decorated 279-game career.
Judd said Walsh’s habits had left an indelible mark on his teammates.
“All the noise over pre-season was just around his work rate and the level he’d taken his training to and I think people who witnessed that are not as surprised over how he’s going,” Judd said.
“But also, it was the effect that had on the entire group. I think that was pretty powerful as well.
“The thing that I find most impressive in people is that drive, that intrinsic drive which is something that you can’t easily identify. Over time you can, but it doesn’t necessarily show up so early. But that appears to be one of his more unique character traits.
“He’s probably one of those guys who might have to be saved from himself eventually. Certainly, those sorts of guys, they work out the harder you train the better you get and you keep scaling it up and it works until it doesn’t.
“It’s about balancing that out and respecting the laws of gravity that apply to everyone while still maintaining that incredible work rate.
“I just look at him and admire how well he’s going at this stage of his career and none of us know where anyone will end up.
“He’s brilliant to watch and it’s very exciting, but you just don’t want too much pressure on him because he’s enjoying his footy and he’s not doing it all by himself. ‘Crippa’ (Patrick Cripps) is a star and a seasoned body and there’s other guys in there as well so hopefully he gets to develop where he should be for his age.
“At the minute I think he’s being asked to do what he’s able to for his age and he’s doing it brilliantly so it’s great to see.”