Carlton star Sam Walsh has put pen to paper on a new four-year extension, tying him to the Blues until the end of 2026.

The club announced the 21-year old’s re-signing on Monday morning that’ll take the gun midfielder through to free agency.

Walsh was among the biggest names set to come out of contract at the end of this season as a bumper pay increase loomed, but Carlton has moved fast to lock him away.“The decision could not have been easier for me – our club has a clear direction, strong leadership, as a playing group we know what we want to achieve and I want to do everything I possibly can to get us there,” Walsh said in a statement.

“From the moment I got drafted this football club has been amazing for me and my family, that includes our members and supporters, I am so grateful for how they’ve embraced me from day one.

“I’ve never taken for granted what it means to pull on that navy blue guernsey, it represents so much to so many people.

“We have a real focus to make Carlton people proud, earn respect back for this football club and everyone we represent, and I am very excited to be part of that, not only this season but for years to come.”

It comes after a career-best 2021 season for Walsh, averaging 29.8 disposals per game to finish fourth in the Brownlow Medal with 30 votes and claim All-Australian and John Nicholls Medal honours for the first time.

He was last month named Carlton’s co-vice captain alongside Jacob Weitering in support of solo skipper Patrick Cripps in a revamped three-man leadership group under new coach Michael Voss.

Walsh has played every one of a possible 61 games for Carlton since joining the club with Pick 1 in the 2018 Draft.

His extension is a huge boost for the Blues as the club in 2022 looks to end an eight-year finals drought.

“Every accolade Sam has received since entering the AFL system has been earned – it all comes from his incredible work ethic and drive to not only make himself but everybody around him better,” Carlton list boss Nick Austin added.

“Sam’s on-field emergence has been clear for everyone to witness but it is his growth within the four walls of this football club which is something most people don’t see but he absolutely deserves credit for.

“As a leader, Sam is really driving that selfless philosophy of the playing group at the moment, which tells you a lot about his qualities as a person.

“To have Sam come to us and want to sign on for four additional years, before this season has even started, tells you everything you need to know about how invested he is in the direction this club is heading and how determined he is to see the Carlton Football Club earn success.

“We are delighted to have been able to re-sign Sam on a long-term deal so that our members and supporters can continue to enjoy seeing him evolve as a Carlton player and person over the coming years.”

It follows fellow Carlton stars Cripps (until 2027) and Harry McKay (2023) penning extensions last year.