‘Could be one of the very best ever’: Danger’s huge praise for ‘complete package’ star Sam Walsh

Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield has heaped huge praise on breakout Carlton star Sam Walsh, declaring he could eventually go down as one of the game’s greatest ever players.

Dangerfield saw first hand Walsh’s brilliance in Saturday’s clash between the two clubs, with the rising Blue tallying 36 disposals, including 11 contested possessions, and booting two goals to receive a perfect 10 in the coaches’ votes.

It continues what’s been a stellar season for the 55-gamer — averaging career-highs across the board in disposals (30.1), marks (5.9), tackles (4.4), inside 50s (4.5) and clearances (4.9) from 16 games.

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Patrick Dangerfield and Sam Walsh were matched up on each other during stages of Saturday’s clash. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Speaking on SEN radio on Wednesday, Dangerfield said Walsh is on track to have a “spectacular career”.

“He’s the complete package,” Dangerfield told SEN’s Whateley.

“Not everything is about possessions, but in his third year he has gone from 20-25 to now averaging 30, kicking goals and breaking lines.

“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.”

Carlton Blues Press Conference | 11:01

The Brownlow medalist admitted he couldn’t help but laugh after Walsh booted one of his two freakish fourth-quarter goals during Saturday’s clash while matched up on him.

He added that the Geelong Falcons product is “such a humble” person when catching up post-match.

“I did laugh to myself: I cannot go with him,” Dangerfield said.

“He’s so good by foot and he obviously balances the brute strength and brutality of (Patrick) Cripps inside, but he can do that as well.

“That’s where he’s getting better and better. He’s such a humble person when you speak to him once the game is completed.”

Western Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson said on Fox Footy on Saturday that he believes the 21-year old is on track to claim a maiden All-Australian blazer.

“No doubt, yep (he’s earning his first All-Australian honour),” he said.

“He just doesn’t stop. It’s so impressive and we talk him up a lot because of what he’s producing as a young player in this competition.

“We do repeat what we say about him but he just keeps doing it so we’ve just got to keep pumping thus young man up as much as we possibly can. Carlton fans, you’re going to be in for 10 great years of enjoyment with this guy.”

Walsh’s Blues — who are two games outside the top eight — face the Magpies at the MCG on Saturday at 3:20pm EST.