RELATED:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
ANDREW Walker says he is proud to be the first indigenous Carlton footballer to play 200 AFL games.
The former Bendigo Pioneers star, who was drafted by the Blues with pick two in the 2003 national draft, reached the milestone in Saturday night's loss to Collingwood.
Walker said it was an equally proud moment for his grandfather Archie, who was in the crowd on Saturday night and has attended most of the former Echuca boy's AFL games.
"He was there for my debut too at Princes Park (round five 2004), it is certainly a proud moment for myself," he told carltonfc.com.au
"But talking to pop, you could see just how proud he was.
"It's amazing, I was told you can feel like your career can go by in the blink of an eye, 12 years has absolutely flown.
"I've enjoyed every moment of it. I have had a lot of ups and downs, but the ups have certainly outweighed the downs."
Walker was the ninth Pioneers draftee to reach 200 games, joining a stellar cast including Nick Dal Santo, Chris Tarrant, Brent Guerra, Michael Braun, Nathan Brown, Joel Selwood. Josh Hunt and Dean Solomon.
Ironically it was West Coast Eagles star Braun, who also hails from Echuca, that Walker lined up on its debut match.
The Blue served notice of a great career ahead, racking up 26 possessions, nine marks and two goal assists.
Walker's 200th might long be remembered as the night the son of Carlton legend Stephen Silvagni, Jack Silvagni made his debut for the Blues.
Walker revealed he had no need to offer any advice to the debutante, with whom he shares locker space.
"I didn't have to, he's a really grounded kid," he said.
"I'm glad (I have) the opportunity to talk about it - he's come absolutely a long way.
"The last four weeks down at VFL level; he's been on fire - he’s kicked 13 goals in four games, so he's certainly earned his spot in the side.
"He really showed some amazing things, he could have kicked three (goals) himself.
"It's an amazing piece of Carlton history."
Silvagni's grandfather Sergio is also a Blues club legend.
Walker said he hoped the Blues could tidy up their skills and bounce back this week against Adelaide.
The high-flying forward was the 23rd indigenous footballer to play 200 games.