Sam Walsh has continued his impressive form, earning nine AFLCA votes in the Round 12 match against Port Adelaide.
Walsh was crucial in the Blues’ midfield, ending the game with a game-high 34 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 13 tackles, and eight team-high clearances.
The 23-year-old also contributed to the scoreboard, recording seven score involvements and nine inside 50s.
His nine votes propelled him into the top 10 with 46 votes, just behind captain Patrick Cripps, who has 49.
Cripps received seven votes for his powerful performance, especially in the final quarter, where he scored back-to-back goals that ignited a strong Blues run.
He gathered 22 disposals and nine contested possessions, with his forward work drawing the coaches’ attention, totaling 11 score involvements, six inside 50s, and those two key goals.
Tom De Koning earned six votes for his standout ruck performance, which included 28 hitouts, 12 contested possessions, and eight score involvements, one of which was a goal. This marks the second consecutive week De Koning has polled votes, highlighting his significant impact both in the middle and up forward as a crucial part of Carlton’s attack.
Nic Newman received one vote for his defensive efforts in a game where the back six faced considerable pressure. Newman held strong, finishing with eight marks, seven intercepts, and four rebound 50s, providing essential support in the defensive half.
**Round 12 votes:**
– 9 – Sam Walsh (CARL)
– 7 – Patrick Cripps (CARL)
– 6 – Jason Horne-Francis (PORT)
– 6 – Tom De Koning (CARL)
– 1 – Aliir Aliir (PORT)
– 1 – Nic Newman (CARL)
