EIGHT YEARS: Blues superstar turns back on free agency to sign historic Carlton deal

Sam Walsh has recommitted to Carlton with a historic contract extension.

Walsh has turned his back on rival interest and free agency to put pen to paper on a new eight-year deal in a huge coup on the eve of the season.

It ties the 25-year old to Ikon Park until 2034 for the longest deal in Blues history.

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Walsh, who shunned interest from rival clubs including Geelong, joins Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett and Caleb Serong as the longest signed players in the competition.

“I love this club. I am a Carlton person and I couldn’t be happier to continue my career here,” Walsh said.

“This was obviously a big decision for me, but it was made so much easier because I know we are heading in the right direction. I make no secret of the fact that I want to win, and I want to win with the Carlton monogram on my chest.

“I truly believe that the key people we have here, and where our group is at right now, we are seeing a significant shift as we head into this next period of our football club, one that I know is going to be really exciting to be part of.”

Currently co-vice captain alongside Jacob Weitering and viewed as the eventual successor to Patrick Cripps as skipper, Walsh has faith that the club is on the right track despite missing finals in 2025.

“When I arrived, our club was last on the ladder. Footy isn’t a linear experience, everyone knows that, but I am all in on the next eight years and doing everything I can to help us reach the top and stay there — the day we do will mean everything to me,” Walsh added.

“The Carlton family is like no other: the roar, the passion is unbelievable. To continue to share that with you all, I can’t wait — it is going to be special to do that together.”

Walsh, an All-Australian, best and fairest winner and Gary Ayres Award winner, will be hoping to bounce back to his best form in 2026 after injury has hampered the former No. 1 pick in recent years.

The 133-gamer was limited to only 14 senior appearances last year in a campaign cruelled by multiple issues following repeated back problems over his last few pre-seasons.

Blues list boss Nick Austin said the club was “absolutely delighted” to secure Walsh’s future.

“To get his signature before the AFL season even starts perfectly sums up the type of player and person he is, and the type of environment we want to be building where our people believe in what they are helping create,” Austin said.

“Sam embodies everything we value at Carlton: elite standards, humility and a relentless drive to improve. He is someone who genuinely wants to bring success to our members and supporters.

“Not only is he a brilliant player, Sam is also an exceptional leader, someone who sets the tone both on and off the field. Ever since he arrived at Ikon Park, his passion for Carlton has been clear, working hard to create an environment you want to be part of.

“We can’t wait to see Sam continue in the navy blue and are very excited for his future here at the footy club.”

It takes one of the biggest names off 2026 AFL free agency board, leaving Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters, Brisbane’s Zac Bailey and Gold Coast’s Ben King as the most sought-after stars set to hit the market.

The Blues now have star trio Adam Cerra, Harry McKay (both signed until 2030) and Jacob Weitering (2031) all signed through until at least the end of the decade, as well as recruits Ollie Florent and Will Hayward (both 2030).