FINDING the balance. 

Since returning to the side in Round 5, Sam Walsh and the Carlton midfield have been looking to round out their games and complement one another to the best of their ability.

Typically prolific since his return (averaging 31 disposals and six tackles), Walsh has been able to contribute to the midfield group and the team as a whole with his run and carry. 

What the 22-year-old wants to do is find a better balance between his handball and kicking game, using what will impact the team to the greatest degree as a hybrid midfielder.

“We very much want to be a strong outnumber team, so you do always have a good amount of options around the ball and around congestion to be able to give the hands,” Walsh said. 

“I feel like with my game, I can get my run and carry going and I think when I’m playing my best footy, that probably looks more like an even split [between kicking and handballing]. 

“I think there’s times when I get caught in two minds because I want to be that first-give player, but then you also look at the most damaging teams and they have guys who burst out of the stoppage and lock the ball deep inside 50 – I’m still working on that balance.” 

Enjoying his first win of the season at the weekend, the co-vice captain was thrilled to be part of a four-quarter effort which ended in the team flying back with the four points.

Admitting it’s been a big confidence boost for him - and the team as a whole - Walsh hopes that the team can continue showing consistency throughout the entire game.

“Individually, I’ve been able to feel like I’ve had a real confidence boost in the work that I’ve put in and then come back and try to add to the team,” he said. 

“To be able to get back on the board and feel like we got back to the style that we wanted to play is definitely a step in the right direction and we’re under no illusions: the competition is so hard every week, so you have to be on your A-game and I think we’ve been building nicely from that.” 

One thing that the Blues were able to achieve in their Round 7 clash with the Eagles was being able to share goals around, with 11 individuals goalkickers (despite Charlie Curnow kicking nine of his own).

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Acknowledging that the tall forwards immediately draw your eyes from the midfield, Walsh said that they might have been over-reliant of the duo of Curnow and Harry McKay in the past, and the team is focusing on ways to spread the load. 

“I think for us, it’s a little bit of composure with the game bringing so much pressure now. We felt like in our early rounds, we were wasting a bit of opportunity to build the ball up, use each other and really bring the forwards onto the ball rather than just kicking it on their heads or allowing teams to get back,” he said. 

“I think there’s always going to be different ways you can give your forwards different looks and at the moment, a pretty strong point from our midfielders is being able to lower our eyes and look long when it’s needed.” 

Looking ahead to the AFL Carlton Respects Game on Friday night, the Blues will be looking to back up their win with another successful outing against the Lions. 

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