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Walsh back injury won’t impact his 2023 campaign, says McKay
Jon Pierik
Carlton forward Harry McKay says Sam Walsh will return to full training after Christmas and does not expect his back issues to impact his 2023 campaign.
Midfield gun Walsh, 22, is on a limited program as he continues to deal with an injury which forced him out of the round 23 clash against Collingwood, a match the Blues lost to fall out of the eight for the first time in the season and miss the finals.
Walsh, who finished third in the John Nicholls Medal count last season, has already forged a reputation as one of the best trainers in the game, his meticulous approach and attention to detail helping to lift standards from the moment he was taken as the No.1 overall pick in the 2018 national draft.
Sam Walsh is nursing a back issue but the Blues insist it won’t impact his 2023 campaign.Credit:AFL Photos
McKay said Walsh’s approach would ensure he was fully fit come the season opener against Richmond in March.
“Someone of Sam’s quality, not only as a person but as a professional, it doesn’t matter what his preparation will be like. He will get the best out of himself,” McKay said on Monday.
“I am sure come round one he will be in a position to play his best footy. Professionals like Sam always find a way to get the best out of themselves.
“He is going pretty well. Obviously, it’s just managed at the moment, kind of doing a bit of an individual program. But, post-Christmas, I fully expect him to be up and going again. He is ticking off everything he needs to do at the moment, so he will be all good.”
McKay said the stinging one-point loss to the Magpies has provided added motivation for the new campaign. Senior players officially began pre-season training on Monday, but have already been back for a fortnight with their first-to-fourth-year teammates, a sign the Blues are determined to end a decade-long finals drought.
What is clear, McKay said, is that training standards have risen, the Blues now in their second pre-season under coach Michael Voss.
“Absolutely. Compared to 12 months ago, the standards and the intensity of training and the quality of training is definitely on a new level. Obviously, after 12 months of a new system and new coaches, you would expect that. But I have been really impressed by the standard of training so far over the last two weeks,” he said.
Brothers in arms: The on-field chemistry between Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow will only get better next season.Credit:Getty Images
The Blues boast one of the best spines in the league, for they have the Coleman medallists of the past two seasons, Charlie Curnow and McKay, as key marking talls inside attacking 50.
McKay and Curnow have missed much football together because of injury, but the chemistry continues to build.
“I am not sure what the stat is, I think we have only played … 40 or 50 games together. So, chemistry takes time to build. I am sure over the next couple of years it is only going to go from strength to strength,” McKay said.
“Charlie has come back in awesome nick. Obviously, winning the Coleman and being the best forward in the game last year, it doesn’t matter, he has come back and is in really good nick.”
McKay signed a seven-year contract extension in October, rejecting the chance to pursue free agency this year. He will remain with the Blues until at least the end of 2030. His decision came after Curnow inked a six-year deal in August.
“It was a very easy decision. Carlton was the only team I wanted to play for, and those discussions happened really quickly, so the negotiations didn’t take long at all,” McKay said.
“I’m really comfortable with how we’re going at the moment and, to be able to re-sign long term, I’m extremely proud to be able to play for Carlton for the next eight years, and I’m really grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity as well.
“I’ve been here seven years now and there have definitely been some ups and downs over the last 12 to 24 months. Even though results wise we haven’t got to where we want to, there’s been a lot of positive change at the club.
“We talk about culture and the environment, coming to work every day, it’s just a really good place to be. I think that shows why guys are committing long term.”
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