Carlton’s Community Camp in Shepparton this week was an extra special experience for Andrew Walker, who took the chance to share some of his Indigenous culture with his teammates.
 
Walker grew up in nearby Echuca along the Murray River. He and his family took Carlton’s leadership group, along with fellow Indigenous player Liam Jones, on a tour of the Barmah area, which is significant to the Yorta Yorta people.
 
“It was really special,” Walker told CFC TV.
 
“I had my Uncle Col Walker come out, who is an elder, I had my pop come out and had my dad there as well, (and) Clive Atkinson and his wife Judy came out.
 
“Clive is the guy who’s designed our Carlton (Indigenous round) jumper, so it was really special for the players to be able to meet those guys.”

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While in Barmah the group spent time canoeing along the river and feasting on some local cuisine – prepared by the Walker family.
 
“I told the boys I was going to cook some food for them, so I put myself under pressure a bit, but I was lucky enough that I snagged a Murray Cod last night and cooked that up for them,” Walker said.
 
“We did some kangaroo, which my Uncle Col prepared for us. We did a heap of yabbies as well, and just sat by the river and had a nice feed after Col Walker had taken us for a tour of the area and gave the boys a bit of cultural insight.”
 
Following the cultural tour the group visited the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club where they were welcomed by Indigenous dancers before having a kick to kick with local players.
 
Walker is hopeful the cultural tour will set a precedent and hopefully lead to ways of helping Indigenous players transition into AFL teams.