Carlton veteran Andrew Walker will run out onto the MCG for the final time this Sunday after announcing his retirement from AFL football.
The 30-year-old informed the Club’s playing group of his decision on Monday evening.
The high-flying forward from Echuca was drafted at Pick No.2 overall in the 2003 NAB AFL National Draft and went on to make his debut in Round 5, 2004 against West Coast.
A member of the club’s current leadership group, Walker became the Blues’ first indigenous player to reach 200 games earlier this year.
Watch Andrew Walker announce his retirement
Head of Football Andrew McKay thanked the versatile veteran for his outstanding services to the Carlton Football Club over the past 13 seasons.
“Andrew has been a tremendous contributor to our football club since he first arrived in 2003 as a 17-year-old,” McKay said.
“There was no doubt Andrew had a frustrating run of injuries across the course of his career but admirably, he always put the team’s needs first. Andrew has clearly been a valued member of our playing group across a number of years.
“He also drove high standards and had a very strong work ethic which set a great example to the club’s younger players during his time.
“Importantly, on behalf of everyone at the Carlton Football Club, we wish Andrew, his wife Kylie and their three children every success in the future.”
Walker’s stats:
DOB: 18/05/1986
Games: 201*
Goals: 139*
Guernsey No: 1
Carlton Player No: 1079
Debut: Round 5, 2004 v West Coast
Career highlights:
2004 – AFL Rising Star nominee
2005 – Pre-Season premiership player
2007 – Pre-Season premiership player
2011 – Leading goalkicker
2011 – Life Membership
2013 – Runner-Up best and fairest
2013 – Spirit of Carlton winner
