IF you’re ready, you’re ready.

That’s the opinion of Sam Walsh, who knows the merits of being drafted at the age of 18 more than most.

Debate has swirled in recent weeks about the potential draft age being shifted to 19.

However, on the back of a historic Rising Star year, Walsh believed it was a case of if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.

Speaking to media on Tuesday morning, Walsh said the current system provided the perfect platform for life in the AFL.

12:24

Walsh on draft age, 2020 season

Speaking to media on Tuesday morning, Sam Walsh shared his thoughts on the the state of the game heading into the 2020 season.

“I’ve got my own opinion on it all. I’m of the belief that at the age of 18, most guys are mature enough and ready to thrive at AFL level,” Walsh said.

“Over the past 20 years or however long we’ve been doing the draft, that’s been shown.

“The balance of school and footy gave me structure… I think the way it is at the moment helps kids get the best out of themselves and I think the clubs are all for it.”

Senior Coach David Teague said a fortnight ago that he’d “hate to think” players like Walsh would have to wait an extra 12 months to have the impact he had.

While Walsh knows not every case is the same, he believed there were other pathways available for players to realise their AFL dream.

“For the kids that maybe aren’t ready yet, maybe mentally or physically, there are still other pathways,” he said.

“If you push that age back, a lot of people would lost their way.”

After living it this time last year, Walsh is now at the other end, having welcomed in five new draftees ahead of the 2020 season.

03:21

Walsh's first year

Take a look back at the impressive debut season from Sam Walsh.

In his new position in the leadership group after just 12 months at Ikon Park, he said a key focus was helping those youngsters acclimatise to the rigours of the AFL.

“I’ve enjoyed my leadership duties. Obviously I am very young and I’ve got a lot to learn — I’m aware of that,” he said.

“I’ve still got a lot to learn but I also feel like I’ve got a lot to give, especially to the younger boys coming into the Club.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to play my part in that. As a club as a whole, we’re going in a good direction in terms of our leadership on and off the field and hopefully that only gets better from here.”