IT WAS a day for the next generation last Thursday when Next Generation Academy, Indigenous, father-son and father-daughter prospects ventured to IKON Park for the 2022 Carlton Academy Talent Day.

Partaking in skills drills on IKON Park as well as the new indoor training facility, it was a chance for the emerging youngsters to connect not only with the football club, but also those coming through the ranks in their own footballing journeys.

Photos were uploaded to social media on the day of Beaumont, Dean, McKay, Pearce and Walker, with fans immediately identifying more than a few likenesses of the kids and their dads.

It also provided the opportunity for past Blues to catch up, with 1995 premiership teammates Peter Dean and Brad Pearce combining their viewing of the session with a lunch-time stop at Naughtons (where else?) on Royal Parade.

Speaking to parents and players alike on the day, this is what they made of it all.

Peter Dean

“They’ve got a strong program and it’s being very professionally run, which is fantastic. It’s a great advertisement for the Club… it’s only going to hold the Club in good stead, and they’re determined to be the benchmark for this type of academy.

“[Son Harry] is super excited. He’s 14, turning 15 in November. He loves footy, loves sport and loves basketball: we’re heading to a basketball tournament in Echuca after this.

“I’ve coached him over the last couple of years, assistant this year and coaching again next year. I usually don’t talk too much to him, I get my assistants to talk to him and I stay away: I don’t give any votes either, so the poor bugger probably won’t get a best and fairest under my coaching!”

Cody Walker
Son of Andrew

“I play for Echuca back home. I play ruck-rover for the under-16s as a bottom age (currently 14).

“It’s really good. I’m amazed because when I was here back in the day, it wasn’t as good as this. Getting around the Club, seeing the new facility and meeting some new people.

“I had a few of these about four or five years ago when my dad was still playing — it’s good to be back.”

Brad Pearce

“This is the first time I’ve been back at the football club in nearly 20 years. It’s great to be back and it’s great to see [daughter] Phoebe getting involved and doing what she’s doing.

“She has done athletics since she was very young, played soccer for a number of years and is now playing footy for the last two years. It’s definitely an avenue that she can look at and go down, which is really exciting.”

Phoebe Pearce

“I play at Mount Martha Junior Football Club: I play as a forward and a bit of midfield.

“I got a new t-shirt with our surname (plus Brad’s No.19) on the back. The highlight has been meeting new people, making new friends and meeting people at the football club.”