Cody Walker impresses in VFL debut for Carlton

Jackson Clark Published May 4, 2026 at 4.30pm (AWST)

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Cody Walker produced an impressive showing in his VFL debut for Carlton. Image: Getty Images.

Highly-touted Indigenous teenager Cody Walker has made an immediate impression at VFL level, delivering a composed and influential performance in his first appearance in navy blues colours.

The 18-year-old son of former Carlton utility Andrew Walker collected 26 disposals, including 12 contested possessions, and five clearances in the Blues' 14.14 (98) to 13.15 (93) win over St Kilda at Ikon Park on Saturday.

Playing through the midfield and across half-forward, Walker looked comfortably at the level, using the ball cleanly and helping set up multiple scoring opportunities in what was a tight contest.

Walker has already committed to Carlton as a father-son selection in the 2026 AFL National Draft, but he is also eligible to join Richmond through its Next Generation Academy.

Recent changes to the AFL's bidding system for father-son and academy prospects have added further attention to Walker's situation.

Under the updated model, clubs are limited to using two picks within the same draft to match a bid on a concession player up to pick No.36, meaning Carlton is expected to pay a significant price to secure Walker's services.

Prior to the match, Walker was presented with his No.76 jumper by Carlton head of development Jordan Russell, who once shared a locker alongside his father.

*Cody Walker is set to follow in the footsteps of his father Andrew when he joins Carlton's AFL team in this year's National Draft. (Image: Carlton FC)*

Carlton VFL coach Damien Truslove said the young midfielder-forward had already shown traits that stand out at the level.

"He's tough," Truslove told The Age.

"We've noticed that in little AFL scratch matches we've had at training, he's taken some big hits, and he just bounces straight up, and he's not afraid of the contact.

"He doesn't like losing anything and Jagga (Smith) and Deany (Harry Dean) are the same - that's their greatest strength.

"The thing with some of those kids is you've got to hold them back a bit at times because they want to do more and more."

Walker's father Andrew, who played 202 AFL games for Carlton between 2004 and 2016, said it had been rewarding to see his son settle into the club.

"It was really nice to see him out there with the jumper on," he told The Age.

"I think it shows, you know, being able to spend six months at the football club in the year out from getting drafted, and being able to put that sort of weight on, he certainly didn't look out of place... (I am) really proud of him."

In the same game, St Kilda's Lance Collard also produced a strong performance after returning from his controversial suspension.

Collard finished with a career-best 25 disposals and 10 marks, easily surpassing his previous best of 18 touches.

Former Essendon-listed forward Jayden Davey was another good contributor for the Saints, recording 15 disposals but finishing inaccurately in front of goal with 1.4.

In other VFL action, experienced key defender Liam Jones has made a strong start with Brisbane.

The former Carlton and Western Bulldogs player, who has played 205 AFL games, is averaging 8.5 marks across his first two appearances for the Lions while also working as an AFL Development Coach and VFL Assistant.