AS part of a broader development program for the Blues’ coaching staff, Carlton great Robert Walls will return to Ikon Park in 2019 as a mentor to the Blues’ AFL coaching panel.

Head of Football Brad Lloyd said the Blues were delighted to welcome back Walls.

“The Club, as part of their Coach Development Program, is putting together a coach mentoring component for all the coaches across the club and we approached Robert to see if he would be interested to play a role as a mentor,” Lloyd said.

“As a club, we’re committed to further developing our coaches’ skillsets through our Coach Development Program.”

“We’re thrilled to have a mentor of Walls’ calibre on board and look forward to his contribution.”

The three-time premiership player, who coached the Blues to the 1987 VFL premiership, said he was delighted to accept the voluntary role.

“I’m helping out in a very small way, just in a mentoring role with the coaching staff. I’ll be just a sounding board throughout the weeks and match days, so hopefully I can give them some support,” Walls said.

The Blues will commence their 2019 pre-season in early November.