Is Jed Walter a pre-season away from tearing the competition to shreds?

[GC2015]

A two-time Coleman Medallist for a depth midfielder?

Even if "some picks" was all three of your first-round picks we would still pass.

I don't get the feeling that Dimma is desperate to mortgage his list's future on a 29yo whose form dropped right off this year and he appears to be injury prone. Hence the report that suggests Walter has recently been offered a long-term contract extension. It sounds like we weren't even that keen on Curnow until it was publicly reported he'd be willing to take a pay cut, and even then it sounds like we're only semi-interested. I'm guessing we're focusing more on Jamie Elliott, who is a premiership forward in career best form and is an unrestricted free agent this off season.

 

[Cmarsh]

So is this thread about Walter's on-field potential or just talk if he can be be traded to Carlton?

If the later, then it belongs on the trading board.

 

[Piggy Smalls]

Jed Walter isn’t just another key forward — he’s a game-changer.

Drafted by the Gold Coast Suns with pick No. 3 in 2023, Walter came into the AFL with a rare mix of size, power, speed, and relentless pressure. He led the Allies to a historic U18 Championship, kicked goals for fun, and turned heads with his aggressive style.

Despite an early injury in 2024, he made his AFL debut straight into the seniors — no VFL warm-up needed. What followed was a rapid evolution: by 2025, he sharpened his footy IQ, refined his positioning, and became smarter with his leads.

Coaches and analysts alike saw it coming. By 2026, Jed Walter will be the complete package — a dominant key forward with elite work rate, physical presence, and the smarts to match. He’s built for the modern game, and the AFL is about to be his.

He seems like one of those players that was far more physically developed than the other kids, and takes a few years to adjust to playing on stronger opponents once in the AFL.
I haven't watched a lot of Walter, but I have watched a lot of Josh Treacy who shares the same traits you mentioned. I would say that smart, aggressive key forwards that can pressure and intimidate defensively are definitely built for the modern game.

 

[NetworkNerd]

GF sprint winner... worth Curnow and 3 first round picks!