NOT LONG now.
With Round 1 fast approaching, midfielder Sam Walsh is on track to return from injury in Carlton’s season opener against Richmond on the big stage.
Set to take place in the traditional Thursday night timeslot at the MCG, Walsh is on track to be available for selection for the Blues’ first home-and-away clash of 2025.
While acknowledging the frustration of his hamstring setback, he remains focused on a strong return, noting other teammates have given him perspective on his situation.
"It’s been one of those [injuries] that has tested my patience a little bit," Walsh said.
"I was warming up for training the other day and I mentioned that to George Hewett and Nic Newman - who just had a six to eight-month injury - came over and bumped me and said ‘suck it up, mate’.
"There’s always someone there to remind you that you’re not too bad off. I’m in a good space with it, it’ll be good for me to have a good week on the track today and put my hand up for selection."
While external expectations of the Blues continue to build, the 24-year-old was adamant that the Club has their own mindset when it comes to facing the season, not wanting to get too ahead of themselves too early.
With no 'easy wins' on the cards, Walsh said his team will be looking to put their heads down and get to work on turning up week after week.
"We’ll get knocked between the eyes if we go in like that," he said.
"To be a top four team, what you need to do is come each week with the mindset to get better and I think teams say they want to play together and have a real strong connection on the field but we have to start to action that and I think the rest will come.
"If you start to look forward too much, then you start to get into trouble. We’ll put our head down and work hard and I think it’ll pan out pretty well for us."
As co-vice captain, Walsh is committed to pushing his teammates to be their best at all times.
Looking ahead in his leadership journey, the 24-year-old - who has already demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities - hopes to finish his career knowing he made a lasting impact on the Club.
"For the moment, I see the impact 'Crippa' has had on myself and others in the Club and you’re able to have that, with or without the title, is a big thing," he said.
"If I look back on my career, I want to help the people around me and being a captain of the Club, you have a big say in that."
