David King believes Sam Walsh holds the keys to Carlton’s fortunes in 2023.
After just missing out on finals in 2022, many expect the Blues to make the jump into the top eight and potentially contend for a premiership in 2023 given the profile of their playing list.
“THE TIME IS NOW”: WHY TOP FOUR SHOULD BE THE AIM FOR CARLTON IN 2023
While the Blues have a raft of stars fit and firing in Patrick Cripps, Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay among others, King believes Walsh, who recently underwent surgery on his back, is the club’s most important player.
Given that there’s still no set date for Walsh’s return, King feels Carlton’s hopes of contention rest on how much football the 22-year-old misses and if he returns in full fitness.
“I think it’s all on Walsh,” King told SEN Afternoons.
“I think he’s their most important player, I know they’ve got some assets up forward (Curnow and McKay) and they’ve got the Brownlow Medallist (Cripps), but this guy separates games.
“He is the spark player that they need, he’s the ball carrier, he’s the beautiful kick going inside 50.
“It’ll be critical how much football he misses and how he comes back.”
While King doesn’t expect Walsh to be at 100 per cent in his first game back, he says the young midfielder will need to get there quickly if the Blues are to contend in 2023.
“His first two or three weeks he’ll be given some grace, but they’ll almost have to do a mini pre-season for him in season,” King said.
“I guess we’ll wait and see, but he’s their most important player.
“They’re not going far without a fit and healthy Sam Walsh.”
Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd expects to have a better picture of when Walsh will return following the opening month of the season.
Carlton opens up their 2023 campaign with their traditional Round 1 Thursday night clash against Richmond on March 16 at the MCG.