Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield has likened 18-year old Vic Country midfielder Sam Walsh to champion Cats skipper Joel Selwood.
Walsh or South Australian forward Jack Lukosius have been dubbed as the likely number one pick at this year's draft, with the latter being compared to Saints great Nick Riewoldt for his impressive aerobic capacity.
And Dangerfield sees traits of Walsh, recipient of the Larke Medal as the best player in the Under 18 championships, in Selwood, for both his ability and leadership.
“If you look at his statistics, they’re one thing. He averages 30-odd possessions per game,” Dangerfield said on Fox Footy.
“But it’s just the way he plays, how composed he is and the leadership he possesses.
“If you’re a side that’s lucky enough to pick up this young fella, he’s going to play for a very, very long time.
“He’s just the complete package, I believe.
“He did some training with us and was really impressive. Hopefully he can find his way to the Cattery. I’m not sure that’s going to be all that possible though.”
It now feels like a given that the Blues will land the first pick after their thumping 64-point loss to the Saints on Friday night, putting them in the box seat to land either Walsh or Lukosius.
Reports are circling that the Crows are going to aggressively push to trade up for pick one in their pursuit to add Lukosius, but Dangerfield think the Blues would be crazy to move their prized first selection.
“I would not lose hold of Pick 1,” Dangerfield said.
“Sam Walsh, for mine, a good Geelong Falcons boy. I think he’s the next Joel Selwood.”
Walsh averaged 29.5 disposals and 7.0 tackles throughout the Under-18 national championships this year.