Walsh poised to make debut for St Kilda

TOMMY WALSH will make his competitive debut in the AFL tomorrow, with St Kilda naming him in their squad for the NAB Cup opener against Collingwood and head coach Ross Lyon promising a likely substitute’s role because he has “surpassed expectations”.

Man of the match as Kerry won the All-Ireland final last September, Walsh has created a very positive impression since landing at the Melbourne club.

He played his first full game of Aussie Rules in an intra-club hitout last Friday and, while his impact was minimal, Lyon and the rest of the coaching staff see the pre-season tournament as an opportunity to give their first year international rookie some invaluable experience.