Sam Walsh signs long-term Blues deal

Star midfielder Sam Walsh says his bumper contract extension with Carlton has put him in a strong frame of mind as he attempts to play a role in leading the AFL club back into the finals.

The Blues have not tasted September action in eight years but head into 2022 with renewed optimism after the key appointments of Michael Voss as coach and Brian Cook as chief executive.

Walsh's signature on a new four-year deal - taking him through to the end of 2026 - is another significant boost after he was named joint vice-captain with Jacob Weitering in a streamlined leadership group alongside captain Patrick Cripps.

Stream Seven's coverage of AFLW for free on 7plus >>

The trio are crucial figures in Carlton's attempt to climb the ladder and are now all committed to the club long-term.

Cripps and Weitering are signed with the Blues until the end of 2027 and 2025 respectively, and the club will be eager to get similar commitments from key forwards Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow, who are both out of contract at the end of next year.

Walsh will be a restricted free agent when his new deal runs out.

"The beauty of the process is that us and the club were on the same page, so the four years was the perfect amount for me," the 21-year-old said.

"I've also got this year ... so it's probably five years committing to the club.

"To be able to do that just leaves me really settled and in a strong frame of mind, and I know I can come through with a great group of fellas."

Walsh, the No.1 draft pick in 2018, has played all 61 possible games with Carlton since being drafted and was named an All-Australian for the first time last year.

He finished fourth in the Brownlow Medal count with 30 votes, the equal highest tally polled by any Carlton