AFL contracts 2022: Sam Walsh re-signs with Blues until 2026, Denver Grainger-Barras inks deal with Hawthorn

Sam Walsh has further enhanced his leadership qualities, taking a significant hair cut on a new four-year deal to help Carlton keep its other star players. The newly appointed vice-captain has signed well below market rate, at around $825,000 per season, because of his commitment to developing an era of success under new coach Michael Voss at Ikon Park. Walsh, 21, was one of the highest profile players coming out of contract at the end of this season and he informed his teammates of the new deal on Monday morning. There’s no doubt the onball star is a $1 million-plus player but his sacrifice is set to give the Blues much-needed flexibility as they look to lock down key forwards Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow, who come out of contract at the end of 2023. The new deal will take Walsh, who finished fourth in last year‘s Brownlow Medal, through to the end of his eighth season, when he will qualify for free agency. Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield said recently he rated Walsh so highly that if he was in charge of the Cats’ list management he would be prepared to give him a $10 million offer over 10 seasons. The 2018 No.1 draft pick has been elevated to co-vice captain with defender Jacob Weitering in support of solo skipper Patrick Cripps. “The decision could not have been easier for me – our club has a clear direction, strong leadership, as a playing group we know what we want to achieve and I want to do everything I possibly can to get us there,” Walsh said. “From the moment I got drafted this football club has been amazing for me and my family, that includes our members and supporters, I am so grateful for how they’ve embraced me from day one. “I’ve never taken for granted what it means to pull on that navy blue guernsey, it represents so much to so many people. “We have a real focus to make Carlton people proud, earn respect back for this football club and everyone we represent, and I am very excited to be part of that, not only this season but for years to come.” Walsh hasn‘t missed a game since debuting in the opening round of 2019, playing 61 consecutive matches. He won the Blues best-and-fairest last year and was named All-Australian for the first time after a season in which he averaged 29 disposals per game. The Blues also recently locked away Cripps to a long-term deal until 2027 and Weitering, who is contracted until the end of 2025. West Aussie stays interstate Young Denver Grainger-Barras has inked a new deal with Hawthorn, keeping him interstate until at least the end of 2024. The Swan Districts recruit headed to Glenferrie as pick six in the 2020 AFL Draft. Despite missing the first half of the season through injury, Grainger-Barras managed five games for Hawthorn in his debut season. Now the 19-year-old says he has his sights on more game time in 2022, after getting his new contract sorted. “It’s good to have it out of the way right before the upcoming season,” he told Hawthorn club media. “I’m really looking forward to cracking in and having a better season than last year. “I’d like to play a bit more footy in the ones of course. Just put my best foot forward for the team.” Grainger-Barras was full of praise for new coach Sam Mitchell, who takes the reins at Hawthorn for the first time. “It’s a different type of pre-season that’s for sure,” the West Aussie admitted. “(Sam’s) a lot more hands on. “I think Sam’s the right man (to lead the club forward).” Hawks recruiting boss Mark McKenzie said he was happy Grainger-Barras decided to stay with the club. “He is one that brings a great energy to the side, will throw himself at every contest, reads the ball well and provides a strong aerial presence down back,” he said. “He has shown a real willingness to compete and absorb as much as he can, and we’re confident he’ll continue to improve in 2022.” -With Catherine Healey