By Peter Ryan
In today’s AFL briefing, your wrap of football news:
- Carlton’s Sam Walsh has back surgery
- Key Magpies extend their contracts
Check back for more updates throughout the day.
Sam Walsh set to miss first month after back surgery
Carlton star Sam Walsh has had back surgery and will miss at least the first month of the season in 2023.
The 22-year-old had micro-discectomy procedure in his back, which involves the removal of a bulging disc portion to relieve pressure on a nerve.
The club has already ruled him out for the start of the season and will assess the time of his potential return after the first month.
It is a massive blow for the Blues, who were forced to rule Walsh out of the final home-and-away game in 2022 due to back issues. They hoped he would recover with rest but after consulting specialists decided surgery was necessary.
Sam Walsh underwent back surgeryCredit:Getty
Carlton football manager Brad Lloyd said Walsh was recovering and would begin his rehab in the new year.
“Throughout the last few months our number one priority has been for Sam’s wellbeing in managing this issue, which is why we explored every possible conservative treatment option,” Lloyd said.
“Following this extensive process, it was clear that given all alternative treatments had not progressed his recovery, surgery was the required option to correct the issue.
“Sam is now recovering after undergoing surgery last night and will commence his rehabilitation in the New Year.
“While Sam’s professionalism and resilience is well-known, we will absolutely give Sam all the time he needs to make a full recovery before he returns to the side during the season.
“Due to the long-term nature of this rehabilitation, it isn’t possible to confirm a set date for his return right now. Once the opening month of the season has been completed though, we expect to be able to provide more clarity on his expected return to play.”
The Blues must make finals in 2023 after narrowly missing out in 2022. The club is investigating their injury management with president Luke Sayers saying they had already made changes in their high-performance area after injuries to several key players.
Jack Crisp turns back on free agency and commits to Collingwood
Collingwood have locked away dual best and fairest winner Jack Crisp for three seasons extending his contract until the end of 2026. He was due to become a free agent at the end of 2023.
The hard running 29-year-old played his 200th game in last year’s preliminary final loss to Sydney in a year when he confirmed his status as one of the most reliable midfielders in the game. He was outstanding in the finals and capped off his year with a second best and fairest.
Crisp has played an extraordinary 188 consecutive games and has not missed one since arriving at Collingwood from the Brisbane Lions in the trade for Dayne Beams at the end of 2014. He has not missed a match since round 17, 2014.
Jack Crisp has signed with Collingwood until the end of 2026Credit:Getty Images
The Magpies also extended tough forward Brody Mihocek until the end of 2025 with the mature aged recruit also chalking up a milestone in last year’s finals series when he played his 100th game for Collingwood.
Mihocek has been a valuable forward at Collingwood, kicking 165 goals in 102 games. He kicked another 41 goals this season to be the club’s leading goalkicker. The 29-year-old made his way to Collingwood via the rookie list.
