Andrew Walker reveals his next plan after stepping down as Echuca coach

Andrew Walker is standing down as Echuca co-coach after seven years and three straight flags. He reveals why the time is right and why he believes the Murray Bombers are the “best side outside of the AFL”.

Andrew Walker has stepped down as coach of Echuca after seven years. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Andrew Walker has stood down as a co-coach of his hometown club Echuca days after winning a third straight flag.

When the final siren went on Sunday as Echuca claimed the seniors, reserves and under-18 premierships in the Goulburn Valley league, ex-AFL player Walker knew he made the right decision to end his coaching tenure.

The former Carlton player, who played 202 games for the Blues, will move on after seven years at the Mighty Bombers.

His co-coach Simon Maddox will remain while three-time Murray Bombers under-18 premiership coach Leo Tenace will step into the role.

Echuca won their third straight premiership in seniors on Sunday. Picture: Goulburn Valley Football League.

Echuca's Kane Morris and co-coach Andrew Walker lift the Goulburn Valley premiership cup in 2022. It was Walker’s first as coach. Picture: Goulburn Valley FNL

Tenace had been part of the coaching set-up this year as a director of football.

“My glass is really full,” Walker said.

“It’s been seven years and I brought something special back to the football club. We had a saying we wanted to be the best side outside of the AFL and I think we’ve really achieved that.

“To get the three-peat and have five or six champion teams under our belt, it’s been a huge seven years and something I’m really proud of.”

Walker said the time had come to step back a bit from footy and focus on his family.

“Footy has been such a massive part of my life,” he said.

“I’ve been involved in senior football since 17, it’s 21 years of high level football, 13 at the highest level but then coaching a side in regional Victoria in a division one league.

“It’s a big job. I’ve got some very good sports children coming through so it’s now time to put some attention, which I already do, but to give them my absolutely full attention.

“They have goals and aspirations to follow in my footsteps and play at the highest level.”

Walker said with the club in such a good position it made his decision easier.

“We’ve made a real focus on maintaining our one point players and our locals instead of buying players for premierships,” he said.

“I think that should hold us up in good stead going forward. Our game plan also clearly stands up against any regional style football.

“I can happily walk away.”

Cody Walker with his father and Echuca coach Andrew Walker. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

But he won’t entirely be lost to the football club.

He’s hoping next year he can do something special with his son Cody.

“(My highlight) on a personal note was coaching my son Cody in a senior game of football,” he said.

“I would have loved to play one game with him (this year).

“I’m still hopeful maybe next year I can bring myself out of retirement to play one or two games with him when he plays at Echuca when he’s resting from Coates Talent League.”