2026 AFL Draft

[one-eyed]

Richmond is planning a heist on Carlton father-son Cody Walker, son of high-flying Andrew, and it thinks it’s in with a chance.



Paywall: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/tug-of-war-over-richmond-nga-player-blues-fatherson-cody-walker-as-richmond-faces-big-call-on-louis-kellaway/news-story/8b1df3ff1ff38c45a4adc42530e53a37

[Tiger Khosh]

Isn’t walker in next years draft?

[one-eyed]

Isn’t walker in next years draft?

Yes, he is TK.

Cody is the son of former high-flying Blue Andrew Walker, who retired in August 2016, and an exciting father-son prospect in the 2026 national draft.

But that’s not the end of the story. Because of the NGA eligibility rules, Walker is also a member of Richmond’s academy and could, under those rules, nominate the Tigers as his preferred club. In that scenario, Richmond would have priority access to him, ahead of the Blues and other clubs.

He qualifies for the Tigers because he is an Echuca resident of Indigenous heritage. Echuca sits within Richmond’s Sunraysia NGA zone.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/why-this-son-of-a-carlton-gun-has-the-option-to-join-the-tigers-20250504-p5lwdr.html


I'll split this off into a new 2026 Draft thread to avoid confusion.

[Diocletian]

While it's funny to make their fans sweat for 18 months, there's no way in the wide world Walker is not choosing the Scum - old man played for them & he idolises Cripps & Walsh. Not like Blakey who grew up in Sydney and didn't want to move interstate.

[Tiger Khosh]

Yeah can’t see it happening.

Are Blakey and Murphy the only 2 examples of a F/S turning down playing for the clubs their dad played for?

[Andyy]

While it's funny to make their fans sweat for 18 months, there's no way in the wide world Walker is not choosing the Scum - old man played for them & he idolises Cripps & Walsh. Not like Blakey who grew up in Sydney and didn't want to move interstate.

See what another year does to him.

Carltank looked deadset dreadful vs Port and 12 months from now will likely see them slipping further down the ladder while our draftees continue to develop and look better by the month hopefully.