Sons of former Carlton champions were invited to train at Visy Park today, to give them an insight into what life might be like in the AFL.

About 20 boys, the sons of 100-plus game players, took part in the Father Son Academy.  

The boys were split into two groups: eight to 13-year-olds and 13 to 18-year-olds.

They participated in a skills session on the turf, which their fathers so often graced in the navy blue jumper, while meeting current players and taking in the club environment.

Carlton development coach Luke Webster ran one of the sessions, with the sons of former Carlton stars including Stephen Silvagni, Craig Bradley and Lance Whitnall.

“It’s a great experience and thrill for them – they got to deal with guys like Michael Jamison and Lachie Henderson, who took them through some skills, and Andrew Walker came down and played some games with them,” said Webster, who is also the head coach of the Northern Blues, Carlton’s VFL affiliate.

“Obviously their fathers were a big part of this football club and it’s a great initiative from the club to make sure that we keep that connection with their sons.”

Webster believes the opportunity is an important stepping stone for those who harbour aspirations of one day following in their father’s footsteps and being drafted into the AFL.

“They’re all sons of 100-plus game players and a couple of the older kids are getting to that draft age now, so it’s a good opportunity for them to see what happens in AFL life in case they do get drafted,” Webster said.

Carlton is mindful of the importance of keeping in touch with its former greats and ensuring the family environment within the walls of Visy Park is looked after.

“Carlton really prides itself on making sure we are out in the community, but also ensuring we are a club that involves the family and keeps those connections,” Webster said.

“It’s great to have young kids coming through whose fathers played here. It’s a great experience and opportunity for them to see things that their fathers did.”

Genetics may also have been kind to some of the youngsters, with a few catching the eye of the Carlton recruiting staff.

“Some of them have definitely shown some really good talent. Obviously their fathers were all great footballers so the talent flows through to a lot of them,” Webster said.

“Hopefully at some stage we’ll see some of them in a Carlton jumper or running around in the AFL.”

So perhaps on draft day in years to come, fans of the Navy Blues will be hearing names read aloud which are more than a little bit familiar.