Tonight the Carlton Football Club held the ‘Carlton Social 2011’ which was an invite only event organised through the club’s social media where 200 lucky people got a tour of the magnificent facilities accompanied by print man par excellence Tony De Bolfo and premiership players Geoff Southby and Syd Jackson. We were also treated to a special video featuring Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs and ‘Marc Catoggio’.

The Spirit of Carlton Past and Present featured prominently on the night with the display case and the G-Trainer both parts of the tour, these items were donated to the club using money raised by the SOC.

We would like to congratulate the club on this initiative and hope it is the beginning of many more. Tonight was about the club opening up and embracing supporters. Many of the people who attended tonight will not forget the night and will tell their friends about it by word of mouth, on twitter and on facebook. Every supporter of this great club is an ambassador, always support and always promote the club and we all grow stronger.

For those on twitter many more photos and comments from the night can be found by searching for the #CarltonSocial2011 hashtag.

Our ‘Gallery’ from the nights’ events can be seen below.

https://www.facebook.com/SOCPP#!/media/set/?set=a.204717719591189.54687.149079251821703&type=1

Wayne Blackwell

Career : 1984 – 1990
Debut : Round 1, 1984 vs North Melbourne, aged 23 years, 213 days
Carlton Player No. 915
Games : 110
Goals : 80
Last Game : Round 15, 1990 vs Collingwood, aged 29 years, 317 days
Guernsey No. 8
Height : 179 cm (5 ft. 10 in.)
Weight : 76 kg. (12 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : 30 August, 1960

Widely regarded as one of the most worthy of Blues never to have played in a Carlton Premiership team, Wayne Blackwell spent seven seasons at Princes Park after being recruited from Claremont, WA (via Karrinyup Saints) in 1984. Although relatively lightly-framed at 179 cm and 76 kg, he was versatile, consistent and certainly unlucky throughout his 110-game career in guernsey number 8.

Born in England, Blackwell embraced Australian football as a youngster, playing his first senior match for Claremont in 1978 before his eighteenth birthday. Within three years he was appointed vice-captain of the Tigers, and his dominance of the centre in Claremont’s 1981 WAFL Grand Final victory over South Fremantle convinced Carlton that he was something special.

By 1984 he was at Princes Park, making his senior debut in a spectacular win by Carlton over North Melbourne at Waverley Park in the opening round of the season. The Kangas were smashed by a record 137 points on that sunny afternoon, when Carlton captain Wayne Johnston and beanpole ruckman Justin Madden kicked five goals each. However, it was Blackwell’s fellow West Australian in Warren Ralph – also making his debut for the Blues – who stole the headlines with 9 goals at full-forward in a stunning first-up performance.

Blackwell proved handy in a number of roles in his first year; in the centre, at half-forward or ruck-roving, and was awarded Carlton’s Best First Year Player award. He experienced the heady atmosphere of VFL finals football for the first time, and ended the season with a solid game on a wing in Carlton’s 25-point Semi Final loss to Collingwood.

Blackwell also made his mark in interstate games. Eventually, he represented WA on eight occasions, with the undoubted highlight being his contribution in the closing stages of WA’s 3-point win over Victoria at Subiaco in 1986. A Gary Buckenara goal had put WA in front late in the final quarter, before Blackwell’s desperate smother in the dying moments denied Brian Royal what could have been the winning goal for the Vics.

By 1986 Blackwell was an integral member of a strong Carlton side that wound up third on the ladder after the home and away rounds, and battled its way through to a Grand Final clash with Hawthorn. He was named in the Grand Final side as ruck-rover, but played his customary role on a wing, as the Hawks proved too good by 42 points. There was at least some consolation for that loss when Blackwell finished a close third in the voting for Carlton’s Best and Fairest player award – six points behind the dual winners, Wayne Johnston and Craig Bradley.

Fresh from that good year, Blackwell must have had high hopes for a big 1987, but it was not to be. He strained a knee ligament during pre-season training, and tried to play round 1 in the reserves, only to break down again. After that he missed another ten matches straight before resuming, and the setback hampered him all year.

Thanks to the Blueseum for providing player photo and bio.

Tickets for Round 24, 3/9 Carlton V St Kilda match at the MCG are now available. The cost is $50.00 per ticket due to an allocation of premium seating that we have been lucky enough to get, this includes entry to the ground and reserved seat, and finger food in the Spirit of Carlton room.

Due to an overwhelming response to tickets recently we will be putting a limit of 4 tickets per member to start with, if there are any left at the end of the day you are more that welcome to them. Tickets will be sold on a first in best dressed basis. To book tickets please call Justine on her new contact number 0420-318266.

Please note : These tickets are only available to paid up Spirit of Carlton members.

Happy 60th Birthday to John Warden!

Career: 1971 – 1973
Debut: Round 8, 1971 vs Richmond
Carlton Player No. 826
Games: 11
Goals: 0
Guernsey No. 9 (1972), and No. 46 (1971)
Last Game: Round 15, 1972 vs South Melbourne
Height: 185cm
Weight: 74kg
DOB: 25 August, 1951

Warden played 11 games in 2 separate guernseys for Carlton after debuting in 1971. He would wear Guernsey No. 46 in 9 games in 1971 before moving to Guernsey No. 9 for 2 games in 1972. He was recruited from St Mark’s, after previously playing for Fawkner and Fawkner High School.

Warden was cleared early in the 1974 season to Cooee in Tasmania with fellow Blue Peter Fyffe for Greg Towns. Both of these players flew over to Cooee in the morning of the matches during 1974.

Happy 79th Birthday to John Chick!

Career: 1952 – 60
Debut: Round 1, 1952 vs North Melbourne
Carlton Player No. 655
Games: 119
Goals: 29
Last Game: Round 18, 1960 vs South Melbourne
Guernsey No. 23
Height: 175cm
Weight: 72kg
DOB: 25 August, 1932

Perhaps one of the most under-rated Carlton players of the 1950’s, Johnny Chick was a pacey, talented wingman who forged a fine playing career at Princes Park in a bleak decade for the Navy Blues.

Chick was recruited from Tasmanian club New Town, after starring in their 1951 TANFL Grand Final demolition of North Hobart. At the beginning of the following VFL season, Johnny was at Princes Park, impressing everyone with his ability. He went on to play nine seasons with the Blues and became a crowd favourite. Determined and durable, he was a remarkably consistent performer week in and week out, in a time when wins were few.

In his 119 game career, Chick played just four finals matches for Carlton; in 1952, ’57, and ’59. Unfortunately, all were losses. He was a fine Vice-captain of the Blues in his final two seasons, before returning to Tasmania to Captain-coach New Town – by then renamed Glenorchy.

Garry Crane

Career : 1964 – 1976
Debut : Round 17, 1964 vs St Kilda, aged 19 years, 355 days
Carlton Player No. 767
Games : 148
Goals : 16
Last Game : Round 1, 1976 vs Collingwood, aged 31 years, 221 days
Guernsey Nos. 31 (1964) & 6 (1965 – 76)
Height : 178 cm (5 ft. 10 in.)
Weight : 72.5 kg (11 stone, 6 lbs.)
DOB : 25 August, 1944
Premiership Player : 1968, 1970, 1972
Best and Fairest: 1969
Carlton Team of the Century (2000)
Carlton Hall of Fame (2000)

Renowned for his boundless courage, perseverance and sheer ball-getting ability, Garry Crane was an outstanding big-occasion player for the Navy Blues in a celebrated 13-year career between 1964 and 1976. Regarded by his coach Ron Barassi as “the most courageous player in the game,” he was a lightly-framed wingman who bored in hard for the ball with scant regard for the consequences – and therefore, paid a hefty price with injuries. Even so, he won three Premierships with Carlton – the last after he was coaxed out of a premature retirement.

Crane was recruited from Yallourn North in Victoria’s Gippsland region. He was brought to Carlton’s attention by our former captain Graham Donaldson, who was coaching Morwell at the time. Throughout his years in the Latrobe Valley League, Donaldson was responsible for getting a number of excellent players to Princes Park – including Crane, Bill Bennett, Ted Hopkins, Vin Waite, Bryan Quirk and Bob Edmond.

By the time Carlton approached him, Crane was a rising star in the Mid Gippsland League. Still a teenager, he had twice won his club’s Best and Fairest trophy, and had finished runner-up for the League’s award. The Blues knew that Crane was a ready-made VFL player, so by early 1964 Garry was at Princes Park. After only a handful of Reserves games, he was selected in the Carlton line-up for his first senior match against St Kilda at Princes Park in round 17, 1964.

Wearing guernsey number 31, Crane lined up alongside Ian Collins in the centre, with Cliff Stewart on the opposite wing. Although the Blues suffered a 16-point defeat, Garry’s tenacity impressed, and he retained his place in the side for the last game of the season – which resulted in a crushing 80-point win over Fitzroy. That was a good win and an encouraging way to finish off a season, but the Blues were still left languishing in tenth ladder position – and after years of mediocrity, the winds of change were about to blow through Princes Park.

In 1967, Crane had his first real encounter with injury when he was heavily concussed in a pre-season trial game, and he didn’t play at senior level until round five. A fortnight after that, he was hit heavily again – and this time, suffered a broken jaw. That blow put Garry out of action for ten weeks, and he finished up registering only four senior matches for the year. Fortunately, he was back to full fitness for round 1, 1968, when the celebrated centre-line combination of Garry Crane, Brent Crosswell and Bryan Quirk was unveiled for the very first time, and the Blues thrashed Geelong by 46 points at Princes Park.

When Essendon and Carlton met again in the 1968 Grand Final, a strong cross-breeze made scoring difficult from the opening bounce at the MCG. Crane got the scoreboard working for the Blues midway through the first term when he snatched the ball out of a contest in the right forward pocket, and kicked a quick mongrel punt to the goal-square. The ball cleared the pack, bounced through for full points, and Carlton was away. Thereafter, Garry was tireless in the clinches, constantly sending the ball into attack for his team. Carlton held on to beat the fast-finishing Bombers by three points, and Crane was a near-unanimous choice as Best on Ground. After only three seasons, the controversial gamble on Barassi’s appointment had been justified by the Navy Blues’ ninth flag, after 21 long years of sweat and tears at Princes Park.

Mark Buckley

Career : 1982 – 1985
Debut : Round 18, 1982 vs Footscray, aged 19 years, 340 days
Carlton Player No. 905
Games : 27
Goals : 35
Last Game : Round 8, 1985 vs Richmond, aged 22 years, 266 days
Guernsey Nos. 55 (1982), 10 (1983-84), 4 (1985)
Height : 190 cm (6 ft. 2 in.)
Weight : 79 kg (12 stone, 6 lbs.)
DOB : 25 August, 1962

Fair-haired, tall and slimly-built, Mark Buckley had a short yet notable senior career with the Blues between 1982 and 1985, during which he completed a family connection. Mark’s father was 116-game Carlton defender Brian Buckley, while his brother Stephen played six matches at Princes Park in 1980 after a long apprenticeship in the lower grades.

Buckley is still a favourite of football trivia buffs to this day; in particular because he wore three different guernsey numbers in his career, and was the first Blue to wear number 55 in a senior match. He also wore number 10, and had the honour of briefly carrying the sacred number 4 for one game between the departure of Peter Bosustow, and the arrival of Stephen Kernahan.

Like his father and brother, Mark began at Carlton with the Under 19 team. A natural left-footer, he grew into a dangerous forward who took often-spectacular marks and was a reliable kick for goal. At thirds level his thin build didn’t matter, but as he worked his way through to the seniors he was to find his lack of bulk something of a handicap. Before worrying about that, though, he celebrated a Premiership with the Under 19s in 1979, in a team managed by his father Brian, and coached by Carlton Premiership star Bryan Quirk. He was recruited from St Mark’s, he had also played for Fawkner.

Adrian Whitehead

Career: 1994-1999
Debut: Round 3, 1994 vs Geelong
996th Carlton Player
Games: 63
Goals: 22
Last Game: Round 13, 1999 vs North Melbourne
Guernsey No. 32
Height: 178cm
Weight: 81kg
DOB: 25 August, 1975
AFL Rising Star Nominee: Round 15, 1995
Premiership Player: 1995

Adrian Whitehead was the youngest member of Carlton’s all-conquering 1995 Premiership team. He was an exciting, talented player who was bound for stardom, before his career was cut short by a serious foot injury only two years later.

After Carlton was soundly beaten by Essendon in the ‘93 Grand Final, many commentators predicted that the Blues’ ageing player list was past its best. Lean times lay ahead for the Blues, they said; but thankfully, no-one at Princes Park was listening – even when Carlton lost the first two matches of 1994. For the vital round three clash against Geelong at Princes Park, the match committee called up 19 year-old Adrian Whitehead from Wodonga to make his senior debut on a wing – alongside Greg Williams in the centre, and Mil Hanna on the other wing.

To the joy of the Carlton fans, Whitehead could hardly have been more impressive. Displaying pace, sure hands and kicking skills with both feet, he racked up 26 possessions to control his side of the ground all match. ‘Diesel’ Williams (33 touches) dominated the centre, and Carlton beat the Cats by five goals. Whitehead went on to play eight matches in his first year. He was overlooked at finals time, but had done enough to show that his place at Carlton was secure.

During 2011 the Spirit of Carlton Past and Present has entered the world of social media with great success. We now have a facebook fan page that is now attracting over 50,000 article views each month and steadily growing.

We also have a twitter account which has nearly 2,800 followers and is gaining new followers at the rate of about 400 every month.

So if you have a smartphone or tablet computer you can easily keep up with all the latest Spirit of Carlton news anywhere by either ‘liking’ our  facebook fan page or following our  twitter account.

We also like to keep Carlton supporters updated in real time during our events.

Tomorrow is our biggest event of the year where 800 people including former and current players, former and current officials and even a former prime minister will be celebrating the 1981 Premiership at our flagship event, our annual luncheon.

If you cannot make it on the day we will be providing live updates.

All you have to do is either follow us on twitter where we will be using the #socluncheon hashtag for all tweets about the event or check in on our facebook fan page which will also feature live accounts from the luncheon.

If you are going to be there on the day we would love it if you could tweet your pictures and thoughts on the day as it is happening. Don’t forget, put the #socluncheon hashtag at the end of your tweets!

Lance Whitnall

Career : 1997 – 2007
Debut : Round 1, 1997 vs Essendon, aged 17 years, 220 days
Carlton Player No. 1013
Games : 216
Goals : 348
Guernsey No. 8
Last Game : Round 22, 2007 vs Melbourne, aged 28 years, 10 days
Height : 192 cm (6 ft. 2 in.)
Weight : 100 kg (15 stone, 10 lbs.)
DOB : 23 August, 1979
Captain: 2007
All Australian: 2000
John Nicholls Medal: 2006
Leading goalkicker: 1998, 1999, 2000
Rising Star Nominee: Round 1, 1997

An often brilliant, yet much-maligned key forward who captained the Blues in the last of his eleven seasons at Princes Park, Lance Whitnall was born with rare skills, an astute football brain, and a bulky frame that was prone to stack on extra kilos during the briefest of layoffs. His battles with his weight were well-publicised throughout his time at Princes Park, often drawing scathing and ill-informed criticism. The facts are that Whitnall was more than a worthy captain of the Carlton Football Club, and his career record stands comparison with all but the very best of the Blues’ on-field leaders.

Lance came to Carlton with an impressive football pedigree. His father, Graeme Whitnall, played 66 matches for the Blues between 1974 and 1981, while his grandfather Noel had a long and distinguished career in country football. As a youngster, Lance played as a junior with outer-suburban Lalor. From the age of 14 he was remarkably mature in both mind and body, and this translated to dominance on the field. By 1995 he was centre half-forward and captain of the Victorian Under 16 state team, and a year later was a star in the Northern Knights side that won the TAC Cup Under 18 Grand Final. Carlton then drafted him under the father/son rule, and by Christmas 1996, Whitnall was the new custodian of Carlton’s number 8 guernsey. Nicknamed “Banger” at first, then “Big Red” or simply “Red” because of his hair colour, he didn’t lack confidence or self-belief.

Meanwhile, fresh from the glory of the 1995 Premiership (and the utter despair of defeat by Hawthorn in ’96), Carlton was hunting for a new pair of key forwards to take over the mantle still being carried with distinction by Earl Spalding and Stephen Kernahan. On Friday night, March 21, 1997 it seemed that we just might have found them, when 17 year-old Whitnall, and 19 year-old Aaron Hamill both impressed in Carlton’s big win over Geelong in the Grand Final of the pre-season Ansett Cup. Hamill’s pack-busting team play, combined with Whitnall’s clever leads and solid aerial skills, helped the Blues to a huge victory by almost ten goals.

Barely ten days later, Whitnall’s AFL career began in earnest when he was named at full-forward for the round 1 blockbuster against Essendon at the MCG – where he could scarcely have been more impressive on debut. Showing poise and amazing maturity, Lance took nine strong marks, and kicked four goals as Carlton lost a thriller by 7 points. That eye-catching effort saw him nominated for the AFL Rising Star award, and alerted every other team to his potential. From then on, he rarely played forward without attracting a top defender.

John Leatham

Career : 1967
Debut : Round 3, 1967 vs North Melbourne, aged 20 years, 249 days
Carlton Player No. 796
Games : 2
Goals : 0
Last Game : Round 4, 1967 vs Melbourne, aged 20 years, 256 days
Guernsey No. 45
Height : 183 cm (6 ft. 0 in)
Weight : 76 kg (12 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : 23 August, 1946

Only the second Blue to wear guernsey number 45 in a senior game for Carlton (after Gil Lockhart in 1966) John Leatham was a speedy wingman recruited from Maffra Rovers in the North Gippsland Football League. He donned the navy blue strip for two consecutive games early in 1967, but couldn’t settle in at Princes Park, and his career was over by season’s end.

Leatham made his debut for Carlton against North Melbourne at Princes Park in round 3, 1967. His centreline partners on that cloudy afternoon were Ian Robertson and Cliff Stewart, and the Blues ran out comfortable winners by 16 points.

The following week in round 4, Carlton’s unbeaten run continued when a sharp Blues combination shook Melbourne off early in the contest, and then thrashed the Demons by ten goals. Although just about every Bagger got a swag of possessions, the match committee still made changes for round 5, and Leatham was one of those omitted.

No doubt deeply disappointed, he played only one or two further Reserves matches before deciding to forsake the dream of VFL football, and was back playing in the country only a few weeks later.

In recent months we have been working with the AFL Players’ Association to define a range of benefits which are being made available to their members.

A someone who has played at least 1 VFL/AFL game you are entitled to join the Alumni and receive the benefits from their association.

The benfits are both highly tangible and provide a lifetime of value. Benefits, which fall within the areas of Health and Wellbeing, Financial Prosperity, Continuing Education and Social Connections, include:

• bulk billing access to the AFL Medical Officers Network;
• reimbursement of private health insurance excess fees for medical procedures – up to $500 per year for all health insurers;
• access to financial services;
• edecational and Personal development offers; and
• ongoing social connections through both the Spirit of Carlton past player network as well as the Alumni network itself.
• The full range of benefits, as well as further information about the AFL Players’ Alumni, can be found in the linked brochure.

To join, simply complete the linked membership form and return it – including once off fee of $50 ($25 for pensioners) – to the AFL Players’ Association Level 2, 375 Albert Road, Albert Park VIC 3206 or scan and email the form to info@aflpa.com.au

Over 1700 former VFL/AFL players are currently enjoying the benefits of being an AFL Players’ Alumni member and we recommend this association to you.

 AFL Players’ Health and Wellbeing Past Player Survey

The AFL Players’ Association are requesting the participation of all past players in a survey that aims to measure the health and well-being of past Australian Football League (AFL) players and use findings to make comparisons with benchmarks from population health statistics..

The survey is being conducted by the School of Sports Science, Exercise and Health at the University of Western Australia with the support of the Australian Football League Players’ Association (AFLPA). Please click on this link to complete the survey and go into the chance to win some great prizes. www.sseh.uwa.edu.au/surveys/AFLPA

Happy 60th Birthday to Peter Fyffe!

Career : 1970 – 1973
Debut : Round 10, 1970 v Footscray
822nd Carlton Player
Games : 19
Goals : 1
Last game : Round 5, 1973 v Fitzroy
Guernsey No. 44 (1970-’71) & 24 (1972-’73)
Height : 183 cm
Weight : 76 kg
DOB : August 22, 1951

Wearing guernsey #24 after starting in #44, Fyffe played 19 games for Carlton commencing in Season 1970. He kicked a solitary goal for the Blues in Round 9, 1972. He was recruited from Newstead in Carlton’s country zone and won the Reserves Best First Year Player in 1970 and then won Carlton’s Reserve Best and Fairest Awards in 1971 and 1972.

He also was awarded with the Carlton Supporters Most Consistent awards for these two seasons. Peter was cleared early in the 1974 season to Cooee in Tasmania with fellow Blue John Warden for Greg Towns. Both of these players flew over to Cooee in the morning of the matches during 1974.

There is now just one week left until the Spirit of Carlton will be celebrating the Blues 13th premiership, which was at the expense of the Magpies in 1981.

In what promises to be a magic day not only the coach but the captain will be the key speakers. David Parkin and Mike Fitzpatrick are still two of the biggest names in football 30 years after the 1981 triumph. Their insights about the big day should prove to be fascinating for every Blues supporter.

There will also be panel interviews with players from the day and roving microphone interviews with players in the crowd. A three course meal and drinks are provided and some of the auction and raffle items this year are spectacular.

We are expecting a bumper crowd of 800 people to pack the Victory Room at Etihad stadium on the 25th of August. The atmosphere in the room will be electric.

These tickets are hot items and there is generally a rush to get tickets close to the day of the luncheon. Do not get caught leaving it too late to get your ticket or you may miss out!

In a first for the Spirit of Carlton we will be providing updates of the luncheon live through twitter. We would love people attending the event to tweet about what is happening on the day, get your picture with a past player and tweet it and we will feature it on our website.

The hashtag we will be using on the day will be #socluncheon, it should be a lot of fun. Feel free to use the hashtag now on twitter and tell us how much you are looking forward to this event.

To get your ticket for the day CLICK HERE and download the order form.

Happy 72nd Birthday to Chris Pavlou

Career : 1958 – 1961
Debut : Round 2, 1958 v North Melbourne
Carlton Player No. 713
Games : 31
Goals : 9
Last game: Round 14, 1961 v Footscray
Guernsey No. 35
Height: 170 cms
Weight: 64 kgs
DOB: August 18, 1939

Chris Pavlou came to Carlton from Frankston and made his debut under coach Jim Francis in 1958. A quick, skilful winger who was soon considered a future star by the Blues, he had his promising career cruelly ended by a serious knee injury in 1961, at just 22 years of age.

After coaching Frankston in 1979, he returned to Princes Park and involved himself in a wide range of club activities on and off the field. An effective, long-serving President of the Carlton Past Players Association, he was later elected to the Club’s Board of Directors.

Fraser Brown

Career: 1989 – 2000
Debut: Round 1, 1989 vs Footscray
954th Carlton Player
Games: 177
Goals: 99
Last Game: Preliminary Final, 2000 vs Essendon
Guernsey No. 20
Height: 181cm
Weight: 90kg
DOB: 18 August, 1970
Premiership Player: 1995
Best and Fairest: 1998

Fraser Brown was not just a Club Favourite or a hard-at-it midfielder, he has become part of footy folklore after his game-saving pile-driving tackle of despised Bomber Dean Wallis to take the Blues through the Preliminary Final against the fancied Essendon team and allow us to play-off for the Premiership in the 1999 Grand Final. More on Brown’s exploits on this day are explored in the exclusive Blueseum article – ‘Bomber Blues’.

The shaggy-haired Brown, who wore #20 in 177 games for the Blues, was a tough and fair midfielder with the occasional stint forward. He was a solid ‘inside’ midfielder with creative disposal, but lacked a yard in pace. And when we say ‘solid’ we mean ‘brick solid’ given his 90 kilo, 181 cm frame. He formed an amazing engine room with other Legends Greg Williams and Brett Ratten, providing considerable ball winning ability to the Carlton teams of the 1990’s.

23 games in each of 1993 and 1994 at over 20 possessions a game showed the worth of “Dog”, but he increased that in our Premiership Year of 1995. The mind goes back to the week before the Grand Final when there was a picture of Dog in one of those oxygen chambers, in an effort to get his ankle up & ready for the game. 21 stats in the big day was a great effort and Brown would win his only premiership for the Blues.

Big games midfield were interspersed with the occasional star game up forward, including kicking 7.0 against the Tigers in 1994. Brown was a very accurate kick with a distinctive running shuffle and deliberate ball drop.

He had an excellent season in 1998, taking out the Best & Fairest, and then a strong 1999 including his heriocs later in the year. He continued playing until Season 2000, playing 10 games but missing a fair part of that season through suspension and injuries before moving into a career of property development.

Brown was originally from Lilydale. His career would have been even greater had it not been for consistent hamstring and back problems (and the occasional suspension)! But his efforts in our great teams of the 1990’s, and of course in the ’99 Prelim, were duly recognised when “Dog” was inducted into the Carlton Hall of Fame in 2006.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player bios and pics.

Peter McConville

Peter will be appearing at our Luncheon celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 1981 Premiership. Tickets are still available CLICK HERE to secure yours.

Career : 1978 – 1985
Debut : Round 1, 1978 vs Richmond, aged 19 years, 227 days
Carlton Player No. 872
Games : 140
Goals : 157
Last Game: Elimination Final, 1985 vs North Melbourne, aged 27 years, 21 days
Guernsey No. 33
Height : 183 cm ( 6 ft. 0 in.)
Weight : 85.5 kg (13 stone, 7 lbs.)
DOB : August 17, 1958
Premiership Player 1979, 1981, 1982.

Peter James McConville holds a special place in the annals of the Carlton Football Club. Widely regarded for his consistency and his versatility, the powerful barrel-chested utility was a key factor in Carlton’s golden run of three Premierships in four years from 1979 to 1982.

McConville was recruited to the Blues from Golden Square – part of our prolific Bendigo League zone – in 1978, along with fellow Blue Peter Fitzpatrick. Despite his family being keen Melbourne supporters, Peter was a Carlton devotee from a young age, after venturing down to the MCG to watch the Demons play the Blues. Carlton won the match that day, and the youngster’s heart. By his late teens, McConville was a promising full-forward who kicked 100 goals in 1977 with Golden Square – despite his grounding as a defender in his junior days at the club. The switch forward came during a Bendigo League representative game, when he lined on a forward flank and starred; providing the catalyst for Peter becoming such a versatile swing player in his days with the Blues.

McConville made his senior debut for Carlton in front of 80,000 hyped-up fans against Richmond at the MCG in round one of 1978. The Tigers crushed the Blues, but McConville impressed by kicking three goals, and was awarded Mark of the Day on Channel 7’s World of Sport the following day. At 185 cm and 85 kg, he was soon a solid part of the brilliant Carlton combination of that era. Initially played often as a half-back flanker, he quickly became the team’s Mr Fixit – the type who could be thrown forward or back without notice, and relied upon to do whatever was required. He was a wonderful mark for his size – so good in fact, that legendary North Melbourne and Hawthorn coach John Kennedy once commented that he was the best in the league. Capable in a key position, or as a ruck-rover pushing forward, his value was not lost on the Carlton match committee or its dedicated followers. Despite his relative lack of inches, he could match it with most tall key position players (forward or back) but was still nimble enough to play on the smaller, quicker types.

In eight seasons (1978 to 1985) wearing guernsey number 33, McConville played 140 games and kicked 157 goals. He was an excellent contributor in the 1979, 1981 and 1982 Premiership teams and represented Victoria in 1983. Unfortunately, in his one and only state game, he tore a knee cartilege and missed the remainder of the season, when he was in career-best form. It was later revealed that he had hurt the knee the previous Saturday in a club game, but carried it into the Big V clash and subsequently aggravated it further.

Simon Fletcher

Career: 1999-2003
Debut: Round 16, 1999 vs Essendon
1033rd Carlton Player
Games: 84
Goals: 30
Last Game: Round 22, 2003 vs North Melbourne
Guernsey No. 31
Height: 188cm
Weight: 74kg
DOB: 17 August, 1978

Simon Fletcher played 84 games for Carlton in between 1999 and 2003, before moving on to Richmond for the 2004 season. A good, solid player, Fletcher played a variety of roles in midfield and half back in Carlton’s finals teams of 1999, 2000 and 2001, before losing his place in the team as the Blues descended down the ladder in 2003.

Originally on the Geelong list, and a distant relative of former Carlton great and Premiership Player Jim Mooring, Fletcher was rookied by the Blues in 1998 and promoted in Round 16, 1999. He played every game from then until the Prelininary Final but was unfortunately dropped for the Grand Final. The thick, dark haired right footer could find the ball averaging 11 a game. In 2000, he would play all but one game, averaging about 14 possessions a game and as many as 26, in various flanker roles. He would follow that up with 20 games in 2001 and 19 in 2002.

At training one night in 2002 or 2003, Fletcher would win a competition for kicking a football directly into a green wheelie-bin from 45 metres away! No doubting his kicking was accurate.

Fletcher was given limited opportunity by incoming Coach Pagan in 2003, playing only 11 games in various roles. He had to wait until Round 8 to play his first senior game and was omitted for Round 10 but won a last minute reprieve following the late withdrawal of Scott Camporeale. He would take full advantage of this, gathering 26 possessions- the most of any Carlton player. This would keep him in the team for the next 5 games. He would return to the side in Round 20, again due to a late withdrawal and go on to play the final 3 games of the season but would then be delisted.

2011 Past Players and Officials Annual Dinner

The SOC P&P would like to invite all past and present players and officials of all eras to join us for our inaugural Annual Dinner. This annual dinner is exclusive to Past and Present Players and Officials and selected invitees of the SOC P&P.

Given that the Carlton Football Club should be participants in this year’s Final Series this is a great opportunity for all Carlton past players and officials to participate in the atmosphere of September, enjoy the fellowship of our former teammates as well as provide moral support to our current team.

Guest Speakers include General Manager Football Operations Stephen Icke and Robert Walls, Carlton Legend and Media Commentator

Seating is limited to approximately 120 guests. SOC want to make this dinner an annual event on our social calendar and your attendance will ensure the evening is a great success.

Date:         7th of September 2011.

Time:        6.30pm – 10.30pm

Venue:      George Harris Room, Visy Park.

Cost:         $55.00 per person all inclusive ($30.00 pensioners)

Dress:       Smart casual

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 Payment Details:  For payments contact Bob Lowrie:

at rjlowrie@tpg.com.au or by phone on 0438 271 948

 

Due to overwhelming demand the Spirit of Carlton tickets to the Hawthorn game have already sold out!

Our next ticketed game is the Round 24 clash with St Kilda, tickets will be available on the monday before the game.

Round 15, 1910

Carlton 2.1 13 6.7 43 8.8 56 11.12 78 University 1.6 12 1.8 14 3.11 29 6.14 50	Venue: Princes Park	Date: August 13, 1910
Result: Won by 28 points	Umpire: Elder.	Crowd:
Goalkickers: V.Gardiner 5, J.Baquie 2, M.Gotz 1, E.Jamieson 1, J.Marchbank 1, A.McDonald 1.
Reports:	Injuries:

 

Game Review

Carlton recorded another strong win in this match over University. However, perhaps, the game might be more famous for something else! As uncovered by historian Craig Mackie in his article ‘Doug Fraser and the Bribery Scandal of 1910’ for the Blueseum:

The following is what surely must be one of the first recorded instances of an Australian Rules Footballer utilising what is known today as “The Big Don’t Argue”:

“It was on the whole a good clean game, though strenuous beyond question. There was very little to complain of in the individual play on either side, the most marked exception being when Fraser, of Carlton, jammed his hand in the face of Elliott, of University. It was certainly not fair and manly play, and Carlton supporters were relieved when, after the game was over, the delegates reported that the field umpire (Elder) had announced that he had no charge against any of the players. There was evidently a fear that Fraser’s momentary violence might have got him in trouble, and perhaps it would be well for him to remember that the fear was certainly not foundationless…” (The Age: 15th August 1910)

Round 20, 1983

Carlton 4.1 25 5.3 33 15.6 96 20.9 129 Hawthorn 6.5 41 9.11 65 11.15 81 15.22 112	Venue: Princes Park	Date: August 13, 1983
Result: Win by 17 points	Umpires: A.Bryant & I.Robinson	Crowd: 28,504 Receipts; $83,468
Goalkickers: W.Johnston 4, R.Ashman 4, A.Marcou 3, P.Bosustow 2, K.Hunter 2, F.Marchesani 2, S.Koukoumelis 2, M.Maclure 1.
Best; W.Johnston, A.Marcou, G.Southby, S.Kourkoumelis, W.Harmes, K. Hunter, D.Glascott, F.Marchesani, D.English, M.Bortolotto.
Reports: Jim Buckley (Carlton) by field umpire A.Bryant for allegedy striking Peter Schwab (Hawthorn) with left clenched fist to the head during the second quarter – 2 Week suspension
Injuries: V.Perovic (ribs), B.Doull (back), R.Ashman (leg)

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Game Review

A great victory in what would prove to be our last “Championship quarter” against the hapless Hawks. Bruce Doull like the cat he was, dodged a Leigh Matthews elbow during the last quarter celebration of this victory. For such a great player, Matthews was unnecessarily violent.

Spiro Kourkoumelis played probably his best game for the Blues, starring in the midfield during the 2nd half comeback.

This game is remembered fondly by Carlton fans, and is considered one of our best wins in the Home & Away rounds of the 1980’s. For more games like this, please click here. In fact, we would love to hear from anyone who can count down the 10 third quarter goals we scored to take this game…

Wayne Johnston’s performance in the centre during the third quarter against Hawthorn on Saturday had to be seen to be appreciated. Johnston not only picked up 12 kicks in that quarter but was the driving force behind the Blues getting back into the match. He was here, there, everywhere in an effort to lift his side. Hawthorn centreman, Terry Wallace, certainly knows how to pick up possessions but, being creative is just as important as winning the ball. Johnston, of course, is a great finals player and, when he sets his mind on something in football, he can be devastating. He could have a big say in this year’s finals – if the Blues can hold off the Collingwood challenge over the next fortnight. – Jim Main Inside Football 

”Dynamo Johnno sparks Blues!
It’s no wonder they call Wayne Johnston “The Dominator”. He dragged Carlton from the depths of despair to beat Hawthorn by 17 points at Princes Park on Saturday. Johnston was well held by Peter Schwab in the first half, but took over when he was shifted to the centre. Yes, he absolutely dominated the position. Carlton players who had been on the missing list suddenly appeared – no doubt by his brilliance. The poor old hawks didn’t have a feather to fly with after a magnificent third quarter during which Carlton kicked 10 goals to Hawthorn’s two. But it wasn’t just the Johnston move that turned the tide for the Blues. Switching Ken Hunter to the forward line and Wayne Harmes into defence also worked wonders. Well-tagged in the first half, there was no holding them in the second. Carlton has become famous for many facets of the game, but it has a great reputation for third quarter bursts. I believe Carlton fans lie in wait expecting their heroes to show up at that stage. They certainly didn’t let them down on Saturday. The Blues played the sort of football I defy any team to counter. When they got their run-on game going, little men like Alex Marcou, Wayne Johnston, David Glascott and Rod Ashman seem to have twins on the ground. There’s no doubt that the way Carlton is playing at the moment, winning the flag from fifth place could be a piece of cake. I bet the rest of the five hopes Collingwood takes its place in the next two weeks. The difference would be like strawberry jam compared to bread and dripping. I’ve come to the conclusion the only way to stop the Blues is to leg rope them. If any side is to have a chance, it has to be a 100 per cent concentration job, man on man, not giving an inch for the entire game. The Hawks did that for half the game on Saturday, then sat back and relaxed because they were 32 points points in front. They became over-confident, started backing their judgement and chasing kicks and trying to do all those weird wonderful things that make a team look pretty. Unfortunately, that doesn’t win games against the Blues. – Lou Richards with Michael Horan The Sun Newspaper.”

John Nicholls: Happy 72nd Birthday!

Career : 1957-1974
Debut : Round 1, 1957 vs Hawthorn, aged 17 years, 250 days
Carlton Player No. 708
Games : 328 #
Goals : 307
Last Game: Round 17, 1974 vs South Melbourne, aged 34 years, 348 days
Guernsey No. 2
Height : 189 cm
Weight : 105 kg
DOB: August 13, 1939
Premiership Player: 1968, 1970, 1972
Captain: 1963, 1968*-1971
Captain-Coach: 1972-1974
Coach: 1975
Best and Fairest: 1959, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1967
All Australian: 1966, 1969 (Captain)
Carlton Hall of Fame
Team of the Century: Ruck
AFL Team of the Century / VFL AFL Legends

One of the truly great players in the history of VFL/AFL football, and the man widely regarded as the finest ruckman ever to play the game, John Nicholls led the Carlton Football Club to two Premierships as captain, and a third as captain-coach, in a celebrated playing career spanning 18 seasons.

‘Big Nick’ was a skilful and inspirational on-field leader, as well as a fierce protector of his team-mates. He played his first senior match before his eighteenth birthday, and was retired – against his will – by the Carlton committee just 17 days before he turned thirty-five. In between, his career was packed with glory, controversy, heart-break, and just about every individual and team honour the game could provide.

It all began for John Nicholls in 1956, when Carlton won a tussle with Geelong to recruit his older brother; Don. The Nicholls boys hailed from Maryborough in central Victoria, where Don was a star centreman, and his bigger, barrel-chested brother was already playing senior football at the age of fifteen.

Don Nicholls adapted quickly to life in Melbourne, and to VFL football. Fifteen solid games in his debut season won him Carlton’s Best First-Year Player Award, and focussed attention from a number of other clubs on his 17-year old sibling. In the summer of that year, John joined Don in Melbourne, where he eventually gave in to the urgings Carlton coach Ken Hands, and agreed to play for the Old Dark Navy Blues.

By his own admission, at first Big John was not particularly confident of his ability to play at elite level. But under the encouragement and inspiration of his captain Ken Hands, he was a quick learner. In 1957 he emulated Don by also collecting the Blues’ Best First-Year Player trophy – the first of many honours as he quickly developed into one of the game’s most powerful and skilful ruckmen. Although not overly tall at 189 cm, he was a solid 105 kg at his peak, with huge, tree-trunk legs and brawny arms.

He wasn’t particularly quick across the ground, but he was an intelligent reader of the play, a strong mark, and an accurate deliverer of the ball by hand or foot. When resting forward he was a reliable kick for goal inside 50 metres. He jumped high for a man of his bulk, and was an exceptional palmer of the ball at boundary throw-ins or centre bounces. As his career progressed, he became the master of one-on-one duels, because of his ability to quickly assess his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Although he preferred to palm the ball with his left hand, he was almost impossible to counter. He attacked the ball from any angle, using his right arm to fend off his opponent, while turning his body to direct the ball with his left.

More so, ‘Big Nick’ radiated authority. A steely glare from those intense blue eyes across the centre circle intimidated many opponents. And if a game became overtly physical, and more than insults started flying, the Carlton boys stood tall when Big Nick was there to fly the flag. Former team-mate Ian Collins once said; ‘he was the finest player you could ever meet. He could control a game, and he had an intense hatred of being beaten. If he had to flatten someone, he would.’

Max Ellis: Happy 78th Birthday!

Career: 1956
Debut: Round 2, 1956 v Melbourne
Carlton Player No.: 700
Games: 2
Goals: 0
Last game: Round 3, 1956 v St Kilda
Guernsey No. 21
Height: 170cm
Weight: 70kg
DOB: 13 August 1933

Recruited from South Bendigo and aged 23 on his senior debut, Max Ellis wore guernsey 21 in his only two appearances for the Blues in 1956.

Alex Way: Happy 86th Birthday!

Career : 1944 – 1948
Debut : Round 2, 1944 vs Hawthorn, aged 18 years, 273 days
Carlton Player No. 590
Games : 32
Goals : 27
Guernsey No. 4
Last Game: Round 10, 1948 vs South Melbourne, aged 22 years, 310 days
Height : 180 cm (5 ft. 11 in.)
Weight : 78 kg ( 12 stone, 4 lbs)
DOB : 13 August, 1925
Premiership Player: 1945

The nephew of former Blue Jack Way, Alex Way was a capable and clever centre half-forward from Coburg Rangers. He was recruited by the Blues in 1944, but had managed only sixteen senior matches (mainly as a half-forward flanker) before he was a surprise inclusion in Carlton’s fabled 1945 Premiership team.

Way got his chance at Grand Final glory when his volatile team-mate Fred Fitzgibbon was suspended for striking during the Blues’ great win over Collingwood in the mayhem of the previous week’s Preliminary Final. Although Alex hadn’t played in the senior team for a month at that time, he and Charlie McInnes were chosen to replace Ron Hines and Fitzgibbon for the decider. Jim Mooring (who warmed the bench against Collingwood) joined the starting line-up as second rover, Way went to a half-forward flank, and McInnes took Mooring’s place as 19th man.

Because the MCG was unavailable (it was being used as a transit centre for American troops) an enormous crowd of almost 63,000 crammed into Princes Park on the Saturday afternoon of September 29, 1945, and witnessed one of the most infamous games of football ever played. Promoted as the ‘Victory’ Grand Final to celebrate the end of World War II, it degenerated into a rolling brawl after quarter time, as players on both sides went at each other with fists, elbows, knees and boots.

Sadly, the overt violence of that day has since overshadowed Carlton’s monumental achievement. Ninth on the ladder after seven rounds of the season, the Blues won thirteen of their last fourteen matches – including two of the toughest finals ever played – and beat the hot favourites South Melbourne by 28 points in the decider. No team before or since has faced a harder path to the Premiership.

A few minutes before half time on that remarkable afternoon, men from both teams were already dazed and bloodied. The Swans were kicking with a strong breeze and clinging to a narrow lead when South’s full-back Jim Cleary took an uncontested mark in his own goal square. Looking up, Cleary saw two team-mates out in space on the northern side of the ground, and kicked long toward them.

But just as the ball arrived, Way threw himself between the pair to take a juggled mark. He played on, and speared a neat foot pass to ruckman Ron Savage, who immediately handballed over to Mick Price, and the Carlton rover’s goal put the Blues in front at a pivotal moment in the game. Although South managed another major themselves before the main break, their lead was only two points by then – and Carlton’s spirits lifted. The Blues had held the Swans in check with the breeze, and it was our turn next.

That passage of play, and others like it leading up to Carlton’s triumph, marked the pinnacle of Alex Way’s career. He enjoyed another reasonably successful season in 1946, playing 12 games for 6 goals, but thereafter became a regular with the Reserves.

His last appearance for Carlton came in round 10, 1948, when he pulled on his number 4 guernsey and ran out onto the Lake Oval to play South Melbourne one last time. The Blueboys certainly sent Alex off in style (Ray Garby and Fred Davies both kicked 5 goals) as the Blues knocked over the Swans by 41 points.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pics and bios.

The Spirit of Carlton is dependent on the success of its various functions throughout the year so that we can offer assistance to the club and the current playing group in their  journey towards the next premiership.

Our functions serve two significant purposes, firstly they are a chance for Carlton people to get together socially to strengthen the bonds within the community of Carlton past and present players, corporations, officials and members and supporters of the Carlton Football Club. Secondly these functions raise funds which are used to assist the club in several important areas.

Currently the Spirit of Carlton Past and Present allocates funding to these areas:

1) The current playing group and football department.

2) Past player welfare needs.

3) Carlton Football club history management and preservation.

In 2011 alone the following funds have been allocated already.

–         approx $9k for two Game Ready injury recovery machines

–         These were provided to assist Michael Jamison and Shaun Hampson with their knee injury recovery programs. These machines will also be able to be used for any future player injuries.

–         approx $15k for the Father and Son Junior Academy

–         In what was a very popular and successful initiative about 20 sons of past players enjoyed a structured program where possible future father and son prospects become better acquainted with the club, to see how the players train, how team meetings are conducted, listen to some Carlton greats speak, and do some skills sessions with Carlton football staff.

–         http://spiritofcarlton.com/blog/2011/01/27/father-son-development-academy/

–         approx $29k for an iPad weight management system for the current playing group

–         approx $47k for GPS units for the current playing group

–         If you watch the players out on the ground you might notice a small bump in the middle of the back up near the neck on the player guernseys. These are GPS units which monitor the speed and distance a player covers in a particular game. These units provide invaluable information so that the coaching and fitness staff can finetune the players performance levels.

–         approx $25k for the history management project

–         part of this project was the wonderful display cabinet in the Visy Park foyer which currently displays memorabilia from our 1981/82 premiership wins. This cabinet is a now a permanent piece of infrastructure that all Carlton supporters can enjoy.

–         http://spiritofcarlton.com/blog/2011/02/24/cfcsoc-display-case-begins-installation/

The upcoming Spirit of Carlton Luncheon is our biggest fundraiser for the year. As you can see, the money that is raised goes to some wonderful projects which help the whole Carlton supporting community.

In order to maintain this support we need as many people to attend our events as possible. So if you would like to experience an amazing afternoon celebrating the 1981 premiership and at the same time know that your attendance provides direct support to the Carlton Football club, then download our order form which can be found by CLICKING HERE.

Brent Crosswell

Career : 1968 – 1975
Debut : Round 1, 1968 vs Geelong, aged 17 years, 250 days
Carlton Player No. 802
Games : 98
Goals : 92
Guernsey No. 17
Last Game: Round 1, 1975 vs Geelong, aged 24 years, 240 days
Height : 185 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 81 kg (13 stone, 2 lbs.)
DOB : August 8, 1950
Premiership Player: 1968 & 1970

Brent ‘Tiger’ Crosswell was a brilliant, yet enigmatic star at Carlton during the Barassi era. A brash, flamboyant individual capable of winning a game off his own boot with quarter or two of inspirational play, he was also at times prone to infuriating lapses in concentration. First and foremost, Crosswell was a big occasion player – perhaps the best of his time. On a cold and wet day at Glenferrie or the Western Oval, he could often seem disinterested – but on a fine afternoon at the MCG, in front of a big crowd, he was tenacity and skill personified.

Hailing from Campelltown in Tasmania, Crosswell was discovered by former Carlton centreman Berkley Cox, who was impressed when he saw the 17 year-old playing inter-school football for Launceston’s Scotch College in 1967. Brent was never comfortable with the regimented college life, and so found an outlet for his youthful frustrations on the football field – even though he never totally embraced the close mateship of club culture. When they first met, Carlton coach Ron Barassi was intrigued by the skilful, highly intelligent youngster, and the pair went on to share triumphs and tribulations at two clubs during Crosswell’s 14-year VFL career – even though, as individuals, they were chalk and cheese.

Barassi, the fierce disciplinarian who demanded maximum physical and mental commitment from all his players, was often left dumbfounded by Crosswell, who delighted in quoting classical English poetry to his coach, and to his opponents. Seemingly unmoved by Barassi’s fiery tirades at training or during matches, Crosswell would simply offer to sort out the pairs’ differences later – on the tennis court, or over a chess board. These matches he invariably won. Then time after time on the weekend, he would go out and win an important game for the Blues with a jaw-dropping burst of football magic.

Michael Mansfield

Career: 2000-2002
Carlton Debut: Round 1, 2000 vs Brisbane
1037th Carlton Player
Games: 54 (+ 181 with Geelong)
Goals: 18
Last Game: Round 22, 2002 vs Essendon
Guernsey No. 10
Height: 183cm
Weight: 85kg
DOB: 8 August 1971

After Carlton’s surprise second place in 1999, particularly given the finish out of the 8 in the years before, the Blues set out to add some senior players to what appeared to be considered an emerging team. With a potent midfield of Camporeale, Koutoufides and Ratten, the Blues sought out 2 ex-Cats in high-priced trades (in terms of top draft picks) – both Stephen O’Reilly and Michael Mansfield were brought to the Club for 2000 in a sure sign of ‘loading up’ for a Flag. The Blues would give up pick 31 in the 1999 National Draft to secure Mansfield from Geelong. They would use that pick on Paul Chapman, who has gone on to play 100+ very good games for the Cats including the 2007 Premiership.

Mansfield had played 181 games with Geelong, and was twice All Australian in 1994 & 1995, the same year he would play against the Blues in the Grand Final. History will show that his opponent on the day, Brad Pearce, would kick 4 goals and be a key player in Carlton’s great win, but as far as Cats fans would go, Mansfield was a keen competitor who provided much drive from half back. It is interesting to note that two of Geelong’s better players that day ended up at the Blues, Adrian Hickmott and Mansfield.

Mansfield, who wore the #10, came over on a 4 year contract. Playing more as a utility across half back or half forward, Mansfield played 54 games in the first 3 of those contracted years. Mick’s best year for the Blues was 2001, where he played 20 games and averaged 12.2 possessions a game.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pics and bios.

Round 15, 1938

Carlton 4.5 29 9.9 63 14.9 93 19.12 126 Fitzroy 2.3 15 5.5 35 9.9 63 11.10 76	Venue: Brunswick St	Date: August 6, 1938
Result: Win by 50 points	Umpire:	Crowd: 17,000
Goalkickers: H.Vallence 11, M.Price 3, R.Cooper 2, H.Hollingshead 2, F.Anderson 1.
Reports:	Injuries:

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Game Review

Yet again, champion spearhead Harry Vallence dominated this match at Brunswick St. In his 199th senior game for Carlton – at the age of 33 years and 63 days – ‘Soapy’ kicked 11 goals as the Blues comfortably accounted for Fitzroy.

Meanwhile, at Corio Oval, Geelong knocked over Footscray in a thriller, and gave Carlton an 8-point buffer on top of the ladder.

Round 19, 1983

Carlton 6.6 42 9.11 65 18.13 121 25.18 168 St Kilda 3.2 20 5.6 36 7.10 52 8.13 61	Venue: Princes Park	Date: August 6, 1983
Result: Win by 107 points	Umpires: D.Smart & M.Westgarth	Crowd: 19,203 Receipts: $33,875
Goalkickers: R.Ashman 3, S.Kourkoumelis 3, M.Fitzpatrick 2, P.Bosustow 2, J.Buckley 2, R.Burke 2, F.Marchesani 2, M.Maclure 2, M.Williams 2, J.Madden 2, M.Buckley 1, D.Glascott 1, A.Marcou 1.
Best: S.Kourkoumelis, B.Doull, D.Glascott, R.Ashman, J.Madden, A.Marcou, J.Buckley.
Reports:	Injuries:

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Game Review

St Kilda were hammered by the Blues for a third time in eight years when the two teams met once more at Princes Park. Adding to a joyous celebration of champion defender Bruce Doull’s 300th game, Carlton unleashed a trademark third-quarter blitz of nine goals to snuff out the Saints’ hopes, and the final margin was a new record 107 points.
In a very even team performance, ruck-rover Spiro Kourkoumelis stood out. Gathering possessions at will, he kicked three goals, while nine other Blues scored two or more, in a heavily one-sided contest.

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY TO MARK AMOS

Mark is a great supporter of the Spirit of Carlton, we often see Mark at Spirit of Carlton functions. We all  wish Mark a very happy 60th birthday!

Career: 1970-71
Debut: Round 9, 1970 Aged 18 years 298 days
821st Carlton Player
Games: 6
Goals: Nil
Last Game: Round 9, 1971 Aged 19 years 297 days
Guernsey No. 38
Height: 189cm (6’2½”)
Weight: 92kg (14.7)
DOB: August 5, 1951

Wearing #38, Amos played 6 games for Carlton over 1970 and 1971 between the round 9 games of those season. He won the Reserves Best and Fairest award in 1970 and played in the 1969 Reserve grand final and also respresented the VFL Seconds in an interstate match.

He was cleared to Fitzroy for the 1972 season where he played one game and scored a goal from the forward pocket and that was against Carlton in Round 16, 1972 and his coach was ex – Carlton captain and Reserve coach between 1967 and 1970 in Graham Donaldson.

Amos was recruited from Montmorency, after originally playing for Robinvale.

David Gallagher

Career: 2002
Debut: Round 1, 2002 vs St Kilda
1049th Carlton Player
Games: 7 (Carlton) (33 total)
Goals: 1 (3 total)
Guernsey No. 14
Last Game : Round 9, 2002 vs Adelaide
Height: 183cm
Weight: 84kg
DOB: 5 August, 1980

Gallagher, a Victorian originally from Clayton, via Prahran Dragons U/18’s, he was picked up by the Crows, was traded at the end of the 2001 season in return for Blue Ben Nelson, who returned home to South Australia. Gallagher had previously played 26 games there from 1999-2001.

There were high hopes that he could fill a back pocket position for the Blues. He made his debut for Carlton in Round 1 of his debut year but missed the next 2 games due to an ankle injury. He then played 6 games straight but a further ankle injury and osteitis pubis would prevent him from playing any more senior games and establishing himself at Carlton. He was not retained after 2002, appearing to pay the price for Carlton’s first ever wooden spoon.

Gallagher went on to Sandringham in the VFL where his ball winning abilities shone through, becoming a key player at that level and playing in Sandy’s three consecutive premierships.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pics and bios.

The weeks seem to be flying by at the moment and the recent warm weather reminds everyone of spring, the season when premierships are won. In three weeks the Spirit of Carlton will be celebrating the Blues 13th premiership, which was at the expense of the Magpies in 1981.

In what promises to be a magic day not only the coach but the captain will be the key speakers. David Parkin and Mike Fitzpatrick are still two of the biggest names in football 30 years after the 1981 triumph. Their insights about the big day should prove to be fascinating for every Blues supporter.

There will also be panel interviews with players from the day and roving microphone interviews with players in the crowd. A three course meal and drinks are provided and some of the auction and raffle items this year are spectacular.

We are expecting a bumper crowd of 800 people to pack the Victory Room at Etihad stadium on the 25th of August. The atmosphere in the room will be electric.

These tickets are a hot items and there is generally a rush to get tickets close to the day of the luncheon. Do not get caught leaving it too late to get your ticket or you may miss out!

In a first for the Spirit of Carlton we will be providing updates of the luncheon live through twitter. We would love people attending the event to tweet about what is happening on the day, get your picture with a past player and tweet it and we will feature it on our website.

The hashtag we will be using on the day will be #socluncheon, it should be a lot of fun. Feel free to use the hashtag now on twitter and tell us how much you are looking forward to this event.

To get your ticket for the day CLICK HERE  and download the order form.