SAM WALSH was presented the 2017 AFL Life Members Education Fund Award at a function held on Friday at Etihad Stadium.

The award was created 29 years ago, and is now named in honour of AFL Life Members Alan Schwab and Jack Collins for their contribution to the AFL and in particular the development of young players in the game. 

The award includes an $8000 scholarship to assist with Sam's schooling.

Previous winners of the award include Joel Selwood, Luke Hodge, Tom Scully, Jonathon Patton, Daniel Wells, Lachie Whitfield, Nic Naitanui, Andrew Gaff and Darcy Parish.

Sam, 16, is a member of the NAB AFL Academy, and plays for the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup competition. Earlier this year he was an impressive performer for the Australia Under-17 team against New Zealand, winning the Cameron Ling Medal. 

Sam also averaged 21 disposals for Vic Country is the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships playing through the midfield as a bottom-aged player.

Sam will be eligible for the 2018 NAB AFL Draft.