A RIPPED Will Setterfield is primed to become one of Carlton's big improvers next year, according to fellow Blues midfielder Sam Walsh.
Setterfield, who will turn 21 in February, has been turning heads at Ikon Park as the Blues ramp up their 2020 preparations in their fourth week of pre-season training.
Injuries derailed Setterfield's two seasons at Greater Western Sydney, with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his left knee sidelining him for the entire 2018 season.
A trade to Carlton has so far been more fruitful, with the powerful on-baller making 18 AFL appearances last year and averaging 16.5 possessions and three tackles, while tallying six goals and seven goal assists.
He is a promising member of the Blues' young and improving running brigade, which looms as critical to the club's expected rise up the ladder.
Level-headed young star Walsh, who lives with Setterfield, didn't hesitate when asked to nominate a teammate who was ready to take the next step.
Will Setterfield and Sam Walsh celebrate in 2019. Picture: AFL Photos
"There's hopefully a big group that is ready to keep on improving more and more because we do have so many (players) at that 19- to 23-years-old range. I live with Will Setterfield, so I'm going to chuck him in there," Walsh told AFL.com.au’s Draft Night Countdown on Tuesday.
"You mentioned 'Samo' (Sam Petrevski-Seton) and 'Dowy' (Paddy Dow) and (Zac) Fisher and these guys, but I think 'Setters' flew under the radar a bit.
"He did an ACL two years ago and then came back and pretty much plays a full season of footy, which is a very good effort.
"The change in his body and the way he's working hard for it has been great to see, and I think he's in for a good year."
