Andrew Walker (footballer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Andrew Walker |
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Walker with Carlton in March 2017
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Andrew Walker | ||
| Date of birth | 18 May 1986 | ||
| Place of birth | Echuca, Victoria | ||
| Original team | Bendigo Pioneers (TAC Cup)/Echuca | ||
| Draft | No. 2 (PP), 2003 National Draft, Carlton | ||
| Position(s) | Forward, defender | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Andrew Walker (born 18 May 1986) is a former professional Australian rules football player. He played for the Carlton Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Contents
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Andrew Walker has Indigenous Australian heritage. His family comes from the Yorta Yorta group.
He started playing football in country towns. He played for the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup. This is a competition for young players. His talent was noticed by scouts.
Andrew went to St Joseph's College, Echuca and Caulfield Grammar School. He finished school in 2004.
Andrew Walker's AFL Career
Joining the Carlton Blues
In 2003, Andrew was chosen by Carlton in the AFL Draft. He was the second player picked overall. This was a special "priority draft pick" for Carlton. He was given the famous number 1 guernsey. This jersey was worn by Carlton legend Stephen Silvagni.
Andrew was still in his final year of school when he started playing AFL. He studied for his Victorian Certificate of Education.
Exciting Debut and Early Years
Andrew played his first AFL game in 2004. It was in Round 5 against West Coast. He had an amazing first game. He got 26 disposals (times he touched the ball). He also helped set up three goals. He almost took a "Mark of the Year" (a spectacular catch).
For his great start, Andrew was nominated for the AFL Rising Star award. This award celebrates the best young players.
After his debut, Andrew worked hard to play consistently. In 2006, he started playing very well. He often played as a "tagger." This meant he would try to stop the best player from the other team. He also helped move the ball from defence. His good play earned him a top-10 spot in Carlton's best-and-fairest award.
In 2007, Andrew kept getting better. He moved into the midfield. He used his speed to carry the ball. He signed a new contract to stay with Carlton until 2009.
Overcoming Injuries
Andrew faced tough times in 2008 and 2009. He had a serious shoulder injury. He needed surgery twice. This meant he could only play a few games in those two seasons. It was hard for him to be off the field.
Return to Form and Key Forward Role
After his injuries, Andrew worked hard to get back into the team. In 2011, he found a new role. He became a key forward player. This meant he was a main goal scorer for Carlton.
He played every game that season. He kicked 56 goals. This made him Carlton's leading goalkicker for the year. He also finished sixth in the club's best-and-fairest award.
In 2011, Andrew took an incredible mark (catch) against Essendon. Many people thought it was one of the greatest marks ever. He was also given "life membership" at the Carlton Football Club. This is a special honour for players who have contributed a lot.
Later Career and Retirement
In 2014, Andrew hurt his knee. This injury affected him for the rest of his career. Despite this, he reached a big milestone in 2016. He became the first Aboriginal player to play 200 games for Carlton.
Andrew continued to struggle with his knee. In August 2016, he announced he would retire. His last game was in Round 20 against St Kilda.
Career Statistics Summary
Andrew Walker played 202 games for Carlton. He kicked 139 goals during his career. He was known for his speed, skill, and exciting marks.
Life After Football
After retiring from playing, Andrew Walker stayed with the Carlton Football Club. He became a "Development & Integration" coach. His job was to help new players. He helped them get used to being professional footballers.
Andrew is married to Kylie. They have three children: Cody Jay, Arli, and Leti.
See also
- List of Caulfield Grammar School people
