Cobden family celebrates Sam Walsh's AFL draft dream

The new Blue’s grandparents – Cobden’s Peter ‘Plumber’ and Margaret Walsh and Camperdown’s Margie Sinnott – watched with pride as he was snapped up in the national draft on Thursday night.

More than 40 family members gathered at Peter and Margaret’s Cobden home and cheered as Sam’s name was read out following a standout TAC Cup career with Geelong Falcons.

Sam played Auskick for Cobden when his dad Wayne coached the Hampden league club’s senior team between 2007-09.

Peter said it was a special moment for his family.

“Right when it happened (I was) very excited and now I feel a bit numb,” he told The Standard. “I don’t know if I want to go to bed or keep celebrating.”

Peter said he would venture to Melbourne-based games to watch his grandson run out in the famous Navy Blue.

“It wouldn’t have mattered if he went with the second pick, we’d still have followed him at the (Gold Coast) Suns,” he said. “But we’re lucky enough now we can go by train (to Carlton games)."

Margaret said it was a dream result.

“Our wish came true and I'd say it might have come true for Sam,” she said.

“He deserves everything he’s got. He’s put in the work.”

Margie said Sam was “a really great” kid who made them proud.