Walker is set to suit up for the Murray Bombers for the first time this season as the joint Goulburn Valley League leaders battle 2025 premier Kyabram at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.
The game will also be the 2026 Archie Walker Indigenous Round, the eighth instance of the round celebrating Yorta Yorta culture and recognising the contributions of First Nations people.
The day will feature a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, with footballers and netballers donning Indigenous kits for the clashes.
Carlton champion and Echuca premiership coach and player Andrew Walker told the club this could be son Cody’s last appearance for the Murray Bombers for the foreseeable future.
“I have been really impressed with the way Cody is coping with it all – with the expectation, the media attention and through it all is playing some outstanding football up to the recent nationals,” he said.
“I just love the way he is going about it and the maturity he is showing on and off the field – he’s pumped to be here this weekend, and we’re just so excited about it all.”
Echuca FNC president Justin Hatfield praised Cody’s commitment to his local club, even with AFL dreams fast approaching.
"Having Cody playing brings a smile to everyone at the club,” he said.
“To see such a fine young man, with the football world at his feet, still have the Echuca Football Netball Club and its supporters front of mind says everything about the person he is.”
"He's never lost touch with his heritage or with what this football club means to his family.
“We encourage everyone to come along on Saturday — not only to witness a potential future AFL superstar in action, but to be part of a day that celebrates culture, respect and community."
Coming off a shoulder injury, sustained in the first game of the AFL under-18 national championships, Walker returned to the Victoria Country setup after three weeks on the sidelines, playing in its final two games.
Walker had a game-high 36 touches, including five clearances in a one-point defeat to South Australia on July 8, and 19 in a heavy, 92-point loss to Victoria Metro on July 19.
He has spent the remainder of his time this season between the Bendigo Pioneers and Carlton’s VFL side, where he has suited up four times, but earned a release from those commitments to play for Echuca this weekend.
Carlton is expected to secure Walker’s services later this year at the AFL draft as a father-son selection, with the Echuca prospect already embedded in the club’s development system.
Walker is a multi-time premiership player with Echuca’s under-18 side, making his senior debut in 2024.
Echuca will take on Kyabram in this week’s senior fixture, with the pre-match from 1.30pm, at Echuca South Recreation Reserve this Saturday.
7°C