Bulldogs senior coach Joel Adams said the dangerous forward, who was voted the competition’s best young talent in 2012, was set to join Shepparton in the Goulburn Valley competition.

Adams said Walsh wanted to test himself at a higher level and would follow a couple of friends to the region next season.

Walsh, who played his junior football at Daylesford, kicked 24 goals in his first senior season with the Dogs in 2011 before booting more than 50 in both of the next two years.

He managed 35 last season as the Bulldogs reached eighth on the ladder and were beaten in the elimination final by Buninyong.

He also played in the senior side’s premiership in 2012.

Adams also revealed important midfielder Trent Nesbitt would not be part of his calculations next season after Nesbitt decided to leave the club, bound for his home side Casterton.

Defender Darcy Shewell is another key figure who will also be missing for at least part of the campaign due to travel.

“They’ll hurt a bit,” Adams admitted.

There is some good news for Daylesford supporters, however, with a couple of promising pick-ups to bolster the senior squad.

Arriving at the kennel is Josh Cooper and Jay Reardon, who both played at Loddon Valley league club Marong last season.

Adams described Cooper as a big centre half-back and Reardon as another defensive player who could play back flank or back pocket.

tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au