One-game Wonders: Ex-Carlton player Andrew Balkwill recalls wearing club’s one-off light blue M&Ms guernsey in sole match

Every AFL player has a story about their debut – even those who never played again. Part five of our One-game Wonders series is an ex-Carlton player who never wore navy blue for the club.

Andrew Balkwill in his light blue Carlton guernsey at Thomas More College, where he used to be principal, in 2015. Picture: Thomas More College

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Andrew Balkwill played one game for Carlton more than two decades ago – but not in navy blue.

The former key-position player debuted against Adelaide at Princes Park on April 13, 1997 – the day Carlton famously wore a one-off light blue guernsey as part of an M&Ms marketing initiative.

It was the first time the Blues had not worn navy in an AFL game.

“There was a lot of talk around it because it was something unique from a marketing perspective,” Balkwill, now 47, recalls.

“There was a lot of media and the Carlton faithful commenting on whether what the club was doing was appropriate.”

Andrew Balkwill, pictured in 2015 at Thomas More College where he used to be principal, wearing the light blue “M&Ms” guernsey he donned for the club in his only game in 1997. Picture: Thomas More College.

Balkwill landed at the Blues from Central District at the end of the 1996 season as a mature-age recruit following a trade with Port Adelaide for Brent Heaver.

Three-time Carlton premiership coach David Parkin tapped Balkwill on the shoulder leading into the round three game against the Crows to tell him he had been selected.

After starting on the bench, Balkwill came on for Collingwood premiership wingman Mick McGuane, who was playing what ended up being his third and final game for Carlton.

“I still have vivid memories of running out onto the ground with the team and doing the warm-up,” Balkwill says.

“The reality was I was a fringe player, drafted at 23, 24.

“I knew I was going to have a limited window so I remember thinking to myself ‘soak it in’.”

Balkwill recorded two disposals – both kicks – in Carlton’s 28-point victory.

His teammates that day included Blues greats Craig Bradley, Anthony Koutoufides, Brett Ratten and Andrew McKay.

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Andrew Balkwill wearing Carlton’s navy blue guernsey for a team photo.

Andrew Balkwill donning a Central District jumper.

Tony Modra, Andrew McLeod, Ben Hart and Tyson Edwards were among the Crows’ stars.

“It was a good feeling to get a win and it was on one of those great suburban grounds, Princes Park,” Balkwill says.

Balkwill expected to get a chance to wear Carlton’s traditional navy blue the following game but captain Stephen Kernahan returned to the team in his place.

“I remember Parkin coming to me, telling me I wasn’t playing that week and he simply said ‘Balks, you didn’t do anything wrong’,” Balkwill remembers.

“I just didn’t know there wasn’t going to be another chance.”

Balkwill lasted one more season on the list but was struck down by osteitis pubis during his second year.

Carlton delisted Balkwill at the end of the 1998 season.

“I made sure it wasn’t for lack of trying that it was only the one game,” he says.

Andrew Balkwill playing in Central District’s SANFL grand final against Port Adelaide in 1996.

“Would I have loved to have played more games? Of course I would.

“But I remember thanking Parko for the opportunity and he stopped the (end-of-season) meeting dead and said ‘Balks, you’re only the second person in my entire career who’s thanked me for the opportunity’.

“I thought that was something a bit special.”

Balkwill is now a principal consultant with SA’s office for Catholic education and is set to become head of Mercedes College next year.

“In my life the opportunity of sport and playing AFL was a great way to learn lessons that have benefited me greatly in my life and my school roles,” he says.

Even though he only has one game to his name, Balkwill has fond memories of his time at the Blues.

And he still has his light-blue guernsey.

“To be on the end of a Greg Williams pass was just unbelievable – you couldn’t find someone who would hit you so perfectly with the ball when you were leading,” he says.

“To be around guys the calibre of Kernahan with his leadership and Koutoufides – trainings were just fun.

“I really enjoyed being at the club.”

Originally published as One-game Wonders: Ex-Carlton player Andrew Balkwill recalls wearing club’s one-off light blue M&Ms guernsey in sole match