Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield could not speak highly enough of Carlton gun Sam Walsh.
The third-year Blue is already regarded as one of the premier midfielders in the competition on the back of a career-best 2021 season.
Walsh, who won the Rising Star award after a sensational debut year in 2019, is averaging 25 disposals and 3.6 clearances across his blossoming 55-game career.
After seeing Walsh first-hand on Saturday, Dangerfield described the Geelong Falcons product as a “special, special player” who is destined for great things.
“He’s the complete package,” the Brownlow Medallist told SEN’s Whateley.
“The difference maker for someone like Sam I think is he has a rare combination of great endurance, but also really good speed.
“What he’s continued to add to his game this year is a great contested brand of footy where when it’s contested, he’s ready to roll, and when it breaks into space, he’s as good as anyone in the game.
“I think we’re seeing the start of what is going to be a spectacular career – he could very well be one of the very best to ever play the game.
“He’s a special, special player.”
Walsh collected 36 disposals and kicked two goals in Carlton’s 26-point loss to Geelong in Round 17.
Averaging 30 possessions and a tick under five clearances per match this season, the 21-year-old midfielder is on track for a maiden All-Australian blazer.
