Sam Walsh Signs Massive 8-Year Deal with Carlton Blues

Walsh locks in future with Carlton until 2034

Co-vice captain Sam Walsh signs 8-year extension with Carlton, reportedly worth $10m, making him a leading captaincy contender.

Carlton star Sam Walsh commits to the Blues until 2034 with record-breaking $10m contract...

Carlton star Sam Walsh has signed a massive eight-year contract extension, keeping him with the Blues until the end of 2034.

The co-vice captain was heading into free agency, with his four-year deal set to expire at the end of 2026. He's locked in for the long haul with Carlton, alongside other big-name players like Zak Butters and Zac Bailey who are also in free agency.

Walsh has put an end to weeks, if not months, of speculation about his future with the Blues, signing a new deal just two weeks before the season kicks off.

The club's list manager, Nick Austin, praises Walsh as “an exceptional leader” who sets the tone on and off the field, making him a top contender for a future captaincy role.

The deal is reportedly worth at least $10 million, making it the most expensive contract in Carlton's history.

Walsh spoke on Tuesday morning, expressing his excitement to potentially spend 15+ years at Ikon Park. “I'm stoked to be staying with the club I love,” he said, hinting at a long-term commitment.

“I love this Club. I am a Carlton person and I couldn’t be happier to continue my career here,” Walsh wrote in a Carlton statement.   

“This was obviously a big decision for me, but it was made so much easier because I know we are heading in the right direction. I make no secret of the fact that I want to win, and I want to win with the Carlton monogram on my chest.”

“I am a Carlton person.”

Sam Walsh, 2034. It’s a good day to be a Blue 💙

MORE: https://t.co/PZ2wMwEyMT pic.twitter.com/g3HI3f8iys

— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) February 23, 2026

 

“I truly believe that the key people we have here, and where our group is at right now, we are seeing a significant shift as we head into this next period of our football club, one that I know is going to be really exciting to be part of.

“When I arrived, our Club was last on the ladder. Footy isn’t a linear experience, everyone knows that, but I am all in on the next eight years and doing everything I can to help us reach the top and stay there - the day we do will mean everything to me.

“The Carlton family is like no other: the roar, the passion is unbelievable. To continue to share that with you all, I can’t wait - it is going to be special to do that together.”