Has Sam Walsh taken the mantle as Carlton’s best player?
The young midfielder was their best once again on Sunday in the club’s win over Essendon.
Walsh won 33 disposals, eight score involvements, eight clearances, six marks and two goal assists, continuing a dominant year.
Kane Cornes believes the 20-year-old has surpassed Patrick Cripps.
“Ross Lyon asked me on Wednesday’s Footy Classified whether I would take anything back I’ve said in the media and I said I would have (my Walsh comments back). I absolutely would,” Cornes told SEN Breakfast.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for him and the way he plays and I’m disappointed that I was so hard on a young kid.
“He’s a lot tougher than I gave him credit for. He’s their best player now.
“He’s overtaken Patrick Cripps with the way that he uses the ball and the way that he works."
Cornes believes opposition teams should start putting work into Walsh.
“I’m waiting for a team to tag him. That would be the ultimate respect for him. Why does he never get tagged?" he said.
“Ed Curnow went to Zach Merrett yesterday and limited his influence. He’s taggable because he’s a smaller midfielder. He’s not someone that’s going to go forward and expose you.
“No one’s done it yet and that will be the next evolution of his game. He’s a Brownlow Medal hope.”
Cornes still believes the Blues are a finals hope, but is more bullish about Essendon long-term.
“I think they’re somewhere between 6th and 10th. I’m not thinking they’re going to be top four, but I’m relieved that they dug in and gave an effort. I’m not thinking too far ahead if I’m a Carlton fan,” he said.
“They needed to win for their coach, similar to Collingwood, one team dug in and one didn’t, but I’d much rather be Essendon than Carlton in the race for a premiership. After yesterday, I’d be much more comfortable as an Essendon supporter."
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