Walsh gets first start for Saints

TOMMY WALSH made a composed debut at senior level when lining out for St Kilda in their 44-15 demolition of Brisbane Lions in the NAB Cup yesterday.

Walsh managed to get on plenty of ball and finished with seven disposals and two uncontested marks as he swept along the Saints’ half-back division in the reduced two-quarter round-robin format that is being used in the AFL’s pre-season competition this year.

The Tralee native’s accuracy with his passing was notable too, with his disposal efficiency coming in at 86%, which in effect meant that he was off target with one kick.

The former GAA Young Footballer of the Year, who won an All-Ireland with Kerry in 2009 before departing for Melbourne, faced a much stiffer test later on in the Etihad Stadium against Essendon, which finished 38-38. Walsh finished with four touches, which once again placed him around the average for his team as they warm up for the AFL season which begins on March 25.

Picture shows Tommy Walsh on the ball for Saints during their NAB Cup victory over Brisbane Lions at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. Picture: Martin Philbey/Sportsfile