In front of zero fans at the MCG on Sunday,Carlton had played largely uninspiring football for three quarters,trailing by four goals during time-on of the second quarter and 20 points midway through the third term.
But the Blues found something from that point onwards,with a long-range goal from Matthew Kennedy breathing life into his dormant side.
Eddie Betts,35 later this year,had several telling involvements,including the snap to put his side ahead for the first time nine minutes into the final quarter.
It was Walsh,however,who had the biggest say. He had already been best afield for his tireless work through the middle when he gathered a ball deep in the pocket 25 metres out midway through the final term,his side leading by seven points at the time.
Walsh shrugged off a John Noble tackle,wrong-footed Jack Crisp,and hacked through a glorious major,celebrating in his trademark wide-armed style. Walsh had already been the hero once this month for Carlton,kicking the winner against Fremantle 15 days earlier.
Straight after this goal he was back at it again,breaking out of the middle and delivering to the chest of Harry McKay,who extended the lead beyond three goals. From there it was effectively over,and the Blues kicked away to win by 29 points. It was yet another Carlton performance which left more questions than answers;brilliant at best but very ordinary at worst.