Sam Walsh stands as one of Carlton’s most prized midfielders, earning recognition as a star performer since joining the AFL. The 25-year-old has transformed from a rising star into an elite player commanding serious money in contract negotiations.
In this article, you will know Sam Walsh’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Sam Walsh’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel Peter Walsh |
| Date of Birth | 2 July 2000 |
| Age | 25 years |
| Education | St Joseph’s College, Geelong |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 184 cm |
| Weight | 84 kg |
| Turned Pro | 2019 |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
| Salary | $825,000 per season |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| @sammy_walshy |
Early Career
Walsh grew up in the small Victorian town of Cobden, where he first kicked a football at the local Auskick program run by Cobden Bombers. His father coached the senior teams there, giving young Sam early exposure to competitive football.
The family relocated to Darwin when Walsh was still developing as a player, and he spent time playing year-round football for Nightcliff Tigers in the Northern Territory’s unique conditions.
He represented the Northern Territory at under-12 level during this period, showing early signs of his talent. This experience in Darwin’s challenging climate helped shape his endurance and adaptability as a midfielder.
The Walsh family moved back to Victoria before his high school years, settling in Ocean Grove. He attended St Joseph’s College in Geelong while playing junior football for St Joseph’s Football Club.
Walsh then joined the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup (now NAB League) for his under-18 football, where he served as co-captain and averaged an incredible 32 disposals per game.
His performances earned him selection as captain of Vic Country in the NAB Under 18 Championships, where he averaged 29 disposals and won the Larke Medal as the competition’s best player.
These achievements made him the consensus number one draft prospect heading into the 2018 AFL National Draft.
Professional Career
Carlton selected Walsh with the first overall pick in the 2018 National Draft, fulfilling widespread expectations that he would go number one. He wore the number 18 guernsey and made an immediate impact during his debut season in 2019.
Walsh played his first AFL game in Round 1 against Richmond at the MCG, collecting 24 disposals in a performance that signaled his readiness for elite football.
He kicked his first AFL goal against Sydney in Round 3 and earned an AFL Rising Star nomination in Round 4 after gathering 28 possessions, seven clearances, six tackles, and a goal against Gold Coast.
The Blues rewarded his early success with a contract extension through 2022, and Walsh capped off his debut year by winning the NAB Rising Star Award.
Walsh continued to develop over the next two seasons, finishing second in Carlton’s Best and Fairest award in 2020 despite the shortened season.
His breakout year came in 2021 when he exploded into the AFL elite tier, earning his first All-Australian selection and winning his first John Nicholls Medal as Carlton’s Best and Fairest player.
He also finished fourth in the Brownlow Medal count with 30 votes, establishing himself as one of the competition’s premier midfielders.
Sam Walsh’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Sam Walsh’s net worth sits at an estimated $2 million.
Contract
Walsh signed a four-year contract extension with Carlton in February 2022 that runs through the end of the 2026 season. Recent reports from January 2026 suggest Carlton and Walsh are negotiating a new extension before his current deal expires.
According to sources, the new contract discussions involve figures north of $800,000 annually, with some analysts suggesting Walsh could command up to $1 million per year on a long-term deal.
However, Carlton officials have expressed some caution about offering a seven-year deal at the million-dollar mark given some wear and tear concerns about his body.
The negotiations appear to be trending positively for Carlton, with reports indicating Walsh will likely re-sign with the Blues before Round One of the 2026 season.
Salary
Walsh currently earns $825,000 per season from Carlton according to 2025 data. This salary reflects his status as one of the club’s most important players and a genuine star midfielder in the AFL.
As contract negotiations progress for his next deal, his annual salary will likely increase significantly, potentially reaching the $1 million mark that elite midfielders command in today’s AFL market.
His earning power continues to grow as he enters his prime years as a footballer, making him one of Carlton’s highest-paid players.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Carlton | $207,300 |
| 2020 | Carlton | $429,900 |
| 2021 | Carlton | $542,000 |
| 2022 | Carlton | $551,700 |
| 2023 | Carlton | $514,400 |
| 2024 | Carlton | $615,100 |
| 2025 | Carlton | $825,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | No. | Games | Goals | Behinds | Kicks | Handballs | Disposals | Marks | Tackles | Brownlow Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Carlton | 18 | 22 | 6 | 13 | 297 | 257 | 554 | 113 | 69 | 6 |
| 2020 | Carlton | 18 | 17 | 8 | 4 | 193 | 156 | 349 | 73 | 47 | 8 |
| 2021 | Carlton | 18 | 22 | 12 | 6 | 298 | 358 | 656 | 127 | 100 | 30 |
| 2022 | Carlton | 18 | 20 | 5 | 7 | 286 | 356 | 642 | 91 | 66 | 14 |
| 2023 | Carlton | 18 | 18 | 6 | 4 | 222 | 291 | 513 | 63 | 87 | 5 |
| 2024 | Carlton | 18 | 20 | 5 | 9 | 268 | 300 | 568 | 60 | 135 | 16 |
| 2025 | Carlton | 18 | 14 | 5 | 5 | 152 | 216 | 368 | 50 | 64 | 6 |
| Career | Carlton | 18 | 133 | 47 | 48 | 1716 | 1934 | 3650 | 577 | 568 | 85 |
FAQs
1. What awards has Sam Walsh won in his AFL career?
Walsh won the 2019 NAB Rising Star Award in his debut season, recognizing him as the best young player that year. He earned All-Australian selection and won the John Nicholls Medal as Carlton’s Best and Fairest player that same season.
2. How many games has Walsh played for Carlton?
Walsh has played 133 games for Carlton from his debut through the end of the 2025 season. He played 22 games in his debut year, 17 in the shortened 2020 season, 22 in 2021, 20 in 2022, 18 in 2023, 20 in 2024, and 14.
3. What position does Walsh play for Carlton?
Walsh plays as a midfielder for Carlton, operating primarily in the center and winning clearances for his team. He excels at winning contested possessions and uses his endurance to cover ground throughout games.
4. When was Walsh drafted to the AFL?
Carlton selected Walsh with the first overall pick in the 2018 National Draft. He joined the Blues for the 2019 season and made his debut in Round 1 against Richmond at the MCG, immediately establishing himself as a quality player.
5. Has Walsh won a Brownlow Medal?
Brownlow Medal yet, but he finished fourth in the 2021 voting with 30 votes. This performance demonstrated his status as an elite midfielder in the competition. He has accumulated 85 Brownlow votes across his career through the 2025 season.
