2003
Walsh got a taste of senior football very early in the season becoming the first of the 2002 draftees to make a senior appearance in Round 4 against The Dome. While only managing one more senior game for the season, Walsh did impress with his speed and skill and he looks set to become an important part of the Essendon midfield in time. The key for him will be building up his physical strength and fitness base for senior football.
STRENGTHS
Walsh’s electrifying pace is the standout feature of his game. He is one of the quickest players at the club over a short distance and this leg speed will be a welcome inclusion into the Essendon midfield. Walsh is still lightly built and needs to continue to improve his physical strength so he can come out on top in one on one duels.
POSITION
Walsh is at home in the mid-field and along the wing. His explosive leg speed and ability to carry the ball makes him dangerous to opposition teams. In his debut season he managed to play two senior games and showed the potential of being a top midfielder in seasons to come.
2004
The experience of two senior games in 2003 will hold Walsh in good stead this season. He knows what senior football is all about. Walsh suffered a minor setback in the preseason when he was struck down by glandular fever but the fitness staff are confident this won’t affect his fitness base throughout the season. Walsh may be the secret weapon in the Bombers’ mid-field this season.
WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
Darren Walsh had glandular fever over the summer, but he has still managed to play in all of the senior practice matches. He has really started to come back to the form that we were hoping and expecting from him. He is a very good player with regards to running the lines. Once he gets a physique – it does take quite some time to do this. I remember Michael Long coming to the club and he was a skinny little kid. Same as Darren – he needs to take four or five years to bulk up and have a powerful body. He has taken some very good marks and I think he will start peaking when the season starts. He has a very good cut and weave about him that he will be able to get out of different difficulties in a game.
