AFL draft prospect Henry Walsh spending time at dad's former Hampden league club Cobden

Henry Walsh will play for Cobden's under 18.5 side as he prepares for the NAB League next month.

The son of Cobden premiership player Wayne and brother of Carlton number one draft pick Sam lined up for the Bombers on Saturday.

The Geelong-based teenager is playing for the Bombers after leagues in his home town cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.

Cobden under 18.5 coach Ben Darcy said the club was thrilled to have Henry onboard.

"It depends on (Geelong) Falcons' commitments. At this stage he's available until August 22," he said.

"Wayne rang me a month ago, seeing the writing on the wall for Geelong footy, and said 'if you're short of numbers, Henry would be interested in playing'.

"As it turned out, we were playing some under 16 kids to make up numbers on the weekend and were able to fit Henry in.

"The whole Walsh family has had a long history with the club. Wayne coached and played and is a premiership player with our club, (Henry's) uncles have been presidents and under 18 premiership coaches.

"Henry spends most of his holidays down Cobden way when he can get there."

Henry is the opposite of Sam.

At 204 centimetres, he is 20cm taller, plays ruck instead of midfield and is a relaxed character, referring himself to as a "class clown" in an article on carltonfc.com.au last year.

"Sam's life and football revolves around the pursuit of excellence," Darcy said.

"Henry is probably the opposite in character, he's very laid-back.

"He's got plenty of ability and with his height, size and pedigree, he'll be closely looked at.

"I know he's got some interest from clubs but the biggest thing for all kids this year who are trying to stake a claim (to get drafted) is to get a bit of exposure and play some footy.

"He was very keen to play some games of footy with us."

Darcy expects Henry to build on his form when he plays Hamilton Kangaroos on Saturday after a solid showing against Camperdown.

"He was among our better players. He dominated the ruck and taps around the ground," he said.

"He probably just didn't finish quite as well as he could've in front of goal. He had opportunities to kick two or three goals.

"But I will say he's like everybody else, we're all trying to emerge from the COVID slumber."

Another NAB League talent played in the Hampden league on Saturday with Cooper Craig-Peters, who hails from Ballarat, turning out for Port Fairy.

VFL-listed duo Toby Mahony (Camperdown) and Emmanuel Ajang (South Warrnambool) also played for their home clubs.

The pair had signed with Werribee for 2020 before the state league cancelled its season.

Darcy said the Hampden under 18.5 grade was laden with talent.

"Potentially it's a great competition if a season can go ahead, just with all the talent that's around in the league," he said.

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