The Carlton Football Club began the first leg of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2016.

After notching up seven wins for the season – three more than last year – the Blues ended up finishing 14^th on the ladder.

With the team now on a break, we’re taking a look back at each player’s year in statistics, starting with Carlton’s No. 1 – the recently retired Andrew Walker.

GAMES

Season 2016: 11

Career: 202

GOALS

Season 2016: 9

Career: 139

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 130 (11.82)
Kicks: 77 (7.00)
Marks 34 (3.09)
Contested possessions: 52 (4.73)
Uncontested possessions: 79 (7.18)
Tackles: 25 (2.27)
Goals: 9 (0.82)

OVERVIEW

After 13 seasons at Carlton, 2016 was to be Andrew Walker’s final year donning the Old Dark Navy Blue. The high-flying forward managed 11 games this season, before his niggling knee injury got the better of him.

The 30-year-old still managed to produce some outstanding highlights in his last year of AFL, including a Mark of the Year nomination in the season-opener, and booting three goals in consecutive rounds against St Kilda and GWS.

In Round 15 against Collingwood, Walker became the Club’s first Indigenous player to reach 200 games – a tremendous milestone for the keeper of the No. 1 jumper. 

‘Walks’ played his last game against St Kilda in Round 20, and did a lap of honour around the MCG in Round 22.

He finishes his career having played 202 games and kicking 139 goals for Carlton.

HE SAID IT

“Just before I took that mark I was sitting on the bench and (former coach) Brett Ratten told me to stop flying for marks because I wasn't getting anywhere near it so I didn't listen to him and went for it again. Lucky it paid off." 

- Walker talking about ‘that’ mark during his final press conference.

This mark was undeniably Andrew Walker's greatest highlight. (Photo: AFL Media)

THEY SAID IT

“He’s the first Indigenous Carlton player to play 200 games, so he deserves the respect and he’s really eager to play this game.”

- Senior coach Brendon Bolton speaking ahead of Walker’s last match. 

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

In Round 1, Walker – in true Walker fashion – took a classy one-handed mark against Richmond’s Dylan Grimes in Carlton’s forward 50. The mark was so good he was nominated for the AFL’s Woolworths Mark of the Year.