Sam Walsh was the centrepiece of Carlton’s last painstaking rebuild. His decision to stay has spared the Blues another period in the doldrums.

The importance of Walsh’s commitment to Carlton cannot be understated. The doomsday scenario at Ikon Park would have included Walsh, their best middle-aged midfielder, joining close mates Charlie Curnow and Tom De Koning and former favourite son Jack Silvagni out the door.

Sam Walsh has re-signed until the end of 2034 at Carlton.Credit: The........

© The Sydney Morning Herald