High-flying Swans give Walsh second chance
Walsh has had to wait in the wings since the end of May, when he was dropped after a horror showing against his former club St Kilda.
That came just a week after finally making his AFL debut with a two-goal contribution against Melbourne.
The 24-year-old has bided his time in the NEAFL with the reserves since then, producing some excellent performances that included bagging six goals just a couple of weeks ago. Head coach, John Longmire, kept changes to a minimum though as the Swans embarked on a lengthy winning run. The NSW club play resurgent champions Geelong in the final round of the home-and-away series, with a chance of winning the minor premiership by finishing top of the league table.
An injury to key forward Sam Reid has given Walsh a late opportunity to impress as the season draws to a climax, and a strong showing against the Cats would put him in a position to feature in the finals. Longmire is confident that the Irishman is ready to produce the goods in terms of contesting aerially and getting amongst the goals.
“Walshy has been playing well for a long time now in our reserves and he gets his opportunity this week,” Longmire said.
“He’s a big, strong body and has really been working on aspects of his game and improving on them and deserves his opportunity.”
It would be fitting reward for the Tralee man’s perseverance.
“He failed to make the breakthrough with St Kilda in two seasons, having signed a contract with them just a month after winning an All-Ireland in 2009.”
Meanwhile, Zach Tuohy plays in what will be Brett Ratten’s last game as Carlton head coach, after the Blues boss was told he would be sacked at the end of the season having failed to get the club into the finals.
Caolán Mooney’s untimely ankle injury rules him out and the Down prodigy might find it difficult to break back into the Pies squad for the finals’ series. Martin Clarke remains out of favour. Mayo’s Pearce Hanley will play his final game of another outstanding season for him personally as Brisbane play host to Western Bulldogs.
