'Big story': The three rivals chasing Carlton's 'next captain' Sam Walsh

Geelong, Hawthorn and St Kilda are at the front of the line targeting Carlton star Sam Walsh, according to AFL Media reporter Callum Twomey.

Walsh becomes a free agent at the end of the 2026 season, and will certainly command seven-figure offers.

But even if he is likely to stay at the Blues, rival clubs will certainly make their pitch.

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Walsh grew up in regional Victoria and played for the Geelong Falcons, hence a potential lure to the Cats, while St Kilda list boss Stephen Silvagni was the man who originally drafted the midfielder to Carlton.

"The big story is that Sam Walsh is a wanted man," Twomey told AFL.com.au's Gettable.

"Clubs are making an early run for the Carlton superstar. The Cats, the Saints, the Hawks are among the chasing pack.

"He's signed until 2026 as a restricted free agent but that is not stopping clubs from getting in early.

"The race for Sam Walsh's signature has begun. It's on.

"I believe it would be hard to drag him out of Carlton. He's (likely) the next captain of the footy club. But if there is significant change at the Blues at end of his year and Michael Voss isn't there next year, he'd have had four coaches in eight seasons."

Twomey believes it is unlikely Walsh leaves Carlton, with the vice-captain likely to one day take over from Patrick Cripps as skipper of the club.

"I believe it would be hard to drag him out of Carlton," Twomey said.

"He's (likely) the next captain of the footy club. But if there is significant change at the Blues at end of his year and Michael Voss isn't there next year, he'd have had four coaches in eight seasons."

Walsh has played 130 games for the Blues since being selected with the No.1 pick in the 2018 draft.