Cody Walker was the MVP for Victoria Country Under-16s at the National Championships last year.
It was a busy couple of days for Cody Walker as he made a big call on his future and concluded his National Championships campaign.
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Carlton announced on Friday that the Echuca Murray Bomber has made a formal commitment to join the club in the 2026 draft as a father-son selection.
The move all but guarantees Walker will play for Carlton by giving the Blues the right to match any bid made for him at the 2026 AFL draft.
Son of 202-game Blue Andrew Walker, who guided Echuca to the past three Goulburn Valley League titles as a co-coach, Cody is now set to follow in his father’s footsteps and suit up for Carlton from the 2027 season.
Although many would have assumed the younger Walker would become a Blue, Cody was also eligible to nominate for Richmond as part of its Next Generation Academy.
Cody has been working with Carlton’s academy for several years and has been in contact with current captain Patrick Cripps and co-vice captain Sam Walsh as part of his development.
His selection is highly anticipated, and Walker is expected to be one of the top prospects in next year’s draft pool.
He told the club’s media he was excited to lock in his future at Carlton.
“This has honestly already been a dream come true,” he said.
“Being involved with the club over the last few years, today is another step closer to pulling on that Carlton jumper — I just can’t wait.
“I have been involved in the Carlton Academy for three years now and have been so appreciative of everything the club has done for me and the people who have helped me to this point in my career, both at Carlton and at every level of football I’ve been fortunate enough to play at so far.”
Cody Walker (right), now committed to Carlton’s father-son program, joined his father Andrew on the field for his 202nd and final AFL game in 2016. Photo: AAP/Tracey Nearmy
Shortly after committing his future, Walker was in action on Sunday against the best junior prospects in the country as Victoria Country concluded its National Championships Under-18 Boys campaign against Victoria Metro on Sunday.
Walker put in his best performance of the championships with 24 disposals and a goal as his side took apart its city rival 14.10 (94) to 9.10 (64).
Walker averaged 17.5 disposals, 3.5 inside 50s and two tackles over the four-game championships.
He was one of only three bottom-age players in the Vic Country side.
Walker has made eight appearances for the Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League this year, while also suiting up three times for Echuca’s senior squad.
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