Andrew Walker's fairytale start to his AFL career continued when the Carlton youngster was named the Rising Star nominee for round five.

Walker made an instant impact in his debut game, against West Coast at Optus Oval on Saturday, and was one of the stars in the Blues' 49-point win with 26 disposals and nine marks.

The 17-year-old, who was the No.2 pick in the 2003 national draft, earned high praise for his debut, particularly from coach Denis Pagan.

Pagan said he could not remember a more impressive first-up performance at AFL level.

Originally from Echuca in country Victoria, Walker played under-18 football for the Bendigo Pioneers.

He represented Vic Country in the 2003 National AFL Under-18 Championships, was named his side's most valuable player and an All-Australian.

Still three weeks shy of his 18th birthday, Walker is currently completing Year 12 at Caulfield Grammar in Melbourne.

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