Carlton young gun Dylan Buckley took a trip down memory lane on Wednesday afternoon.

The 21-year-old returned to Ramsden Reserve at Clifton Hill to speak to players from the Fitzroy Junior Football Club. 

The visit came after Buckley was named the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for Round 2.

As part of NAB's commitment to the AFL, the junior football club of Rising Star nominees receives a recognition pack including footballs and drink bottles, as well as  $1000 cash.

Buckley was on hand for the presentation, then took questions from under 10s and under 12s players, who were eager to learn about the Carlton defender's journey from Clifton Hill to the MCG. 

"I don't think I've been here since I played in under 12s myself, and back then the biggest thrill in football was beating St Mary's who we had a great rivalry with," Buckley said.  

"The most important thing for these kids is to enjoy their footy and enjoy playing with their mates, because they will forge friendships here that they will have for life. 

"But if they do decide to pursue AFL, my advice would be to not give up and to learn to play in as many positions as possible, because versatility is the key in AFL these days."

Buckley is now four games into his AFL career. In Round 2 he earned the Rising Star nomination after gathering 18 possessions and laying six tackles in Carlton's 12-point loss to Richmond.