Matthew Lloyd and Kane Cornes have discussed whether Sam Walsh should be Carlton’s highest paid player, with the star Blue set for a bumper new contract.
Walsh’s manager Scott Lucas told AFL Trade Radio there’s “no rush” to extend his current deal, which expires at the end of next year.
The 21-year-old is coming off a stellar 2021 season where he placed fourth in the Brownlow Medal, received his first All-Australian blazer and will likely win Carlton’s best and fairest.
Speaking on AFL Trade Radio’s The Early Trade, Kane Cornes asked: “He’s going to get a big contract, but what should it be, and will it hit $1 million?”
Lloyd responded: “For me, I’m not sure there’s any more Sam Walsh can do to bolster his wage.
“What he did this year – top five in the Brownlow, he’ll win their best and fairest … he was second in the best and fairest last year.
“He’s the hardest trainer already at the Blues, he’s as safe as they come, he’s got captain written all over him. Carlton would be crazy not to offer him another four or five years right now.
“Unless Carlton aren’t paying up for what he’s worth, you’d nearly sign the four or five years right now at around that $900,000-mark.”
Cornes asked Lloyd: “Should he be Carlton’s highest paid player?
“Does he jump (Patrick) Cripps now? Who has just signed a six-year deal we’re assuming on big money.
“Is he (Walsh) their best and most important player and worthy of the biggest contract at the Blues?”
To which the Essendon great replied: “I think he is.
“I know he’s only played about 60 games, but he’s their best player. You just know what you’re going to get from Walsh week in, week out.”
Walsh was selected with the first pick overall in the 2018 draft.