Walsh, who won the 2019 NAB AFL Rising Star award, joins a team led by co-captains Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty.

Marc Murphy and Ed Curnow are in the leadership group again with Walsh, Jacob Weitering and Liam Jones the three new additions.

Walsh's father, Wayne, said it was a good reward for his son's hard work and effort.

"One of his goals is to become a good leader in life," he told The Standard.

Wayne said his son developed leadership skills at St Joseph's College Geelong and also at NAB League club Geelong Falcons.

Walsh was school vice-captain at St Joseph's and co-captain of Geelong Falcons' 2018 side.

Docherty said Walsh had earned his spot in the seven-player group.

"This is a significant step in the growth of our football club with our emerging generation of talent now ready to step into senior leadership positions," Docherty said.

"Weiters, Jonesy and Walshy are exceptional leaders in everything they do, whether it be on the training track, during games and living the values of our football club - that is why they have earned their place in the leadership group.

"All three of them are born for the role, are quality Carlton people and we are excited to see them continue to grow as footballers and as individuals."

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Carlton head of football Brad Lloyd said the club's new Emerging Leaders program had helped youngsters, Walsh and Weitering, progress to the leadership group.

"In order to fast track our on and off-field leadership, the players and coaches voted to implement an Emerging Leaders group 12 months ago," he said.

"This group, which works closely with our director of high performance Andrew Russell, has been identified as players who have influence within the club, can set standards, and support the leadership group."

There's been ups and down for south-west products in recent weeks.

Hugh McCluggage, of South Warrnambool origins, was elevated to the Brisbane Lions' nine-player leadership team last week.

Meanwhile, Zach Merrett missed out on a spot in Essendon's leadership group after serving as the Bombers' vice-captain since 2017.

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