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Gary Higgins by the locker bearing his old No.29. (Photo: Carlton Media)

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Happy 40th birthday to Damian Lang.

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From the Blueseum

Damian Lang

Career: 1998
Debut: Round 7, 1998 vs Port Adelaide, aged 22 years, 67 days
1025th Carlton Player
Games: 3 (8 AFL games in total)
Goals: 1 (5 AFL goals in total)
Last Game: Round 9, 1998 vs North Melbourne, aged 22 years, 81 days
Guernsey No. 44 (1988 – 1989).
Height: 191cm
Weight: 78kg
DOB: 3 March, 1976

Lang played 5 games with the Sydney Swans in 1994 and was later rookie listed by Carlton and played 3 games from round 7-9 in 1998. He was a 191 cm forward who could kick goals. In the reserves he could mark on the lead – he wasn’t a pack marker – from 40 metres out on the boundary and slot it through. His shots on an angle were a real highlight, and surely signs of a youth spent in the pocket. Unfortunately, Lang was also only 78kg and wasn’t of the size to be a key forward in the AFL.

He remained on the rookie list from 1997 to 1999 but did not manage a senior game in either of the 1997 or 1999 seasons and was not retained beyond 1999.

In 2000, Damian Lang headed off to play with VFL club Coburg-Fitzroy with ex-Blues teammates Matthew Hogg and Damien Lock. Lang then headed to Ovens & Murray team Wangaratta Magpies for the 2002 season.

Lang was originally recruited from Leeton, NSW.

Happy 80th Birthday to Ron Barassi.

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From the Blueseum

Ron Barassi

Career : 1965 – 1969
Debut : Round 1, 1965 vs Hawthorn, aged 29 years, 49 days
Carlton Player No. 768
Games : 254 (50 at Carlton)
Goals : 329 (35 at Carlton)
Last Game : Round 7, 1969 vs Melbourne, aged 33 years, 80 days
Guernsey No. 31
Height : 178 cm (5 ft. 10 in.)
Weight : 83.5 kg (13 stone, 2 lbs.)
DOB : 27 February, 1936
Captain: 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968
Coach: 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971
Premiership Coach: 1968, 1970

Two days before Christmas, 1964, the Carlton Football Club created a furore by announcing that it had signed Melbourne legend and six-time Premiership player Ron Barassi as captain-coach of the Blues for five years. The news rocked football to its foundations; at that time Barassi was to Melbourne what Lennon was to McCartney – or what sunshine was to summer. It was absolutely unthinkable that he would agree to play football for anyone else but the Demons.

Barassi was born to play for Melbourne. His father had represented the Red & Blue in 58 games – including the 1940 flag side – before he was tragically killed in action in World War II. When Ron’s mother remarried and moved to Tasmania, he stayed on in Melbourne to further his promising football career and boarded at the home of Melbourne’s great coach Norm Smith. Under Smith’s guidance, Barassi became a champion. At 178 cm and 83 kg Ron was a solid type, not particularly blessed with an abundance of pure football talent. But he was tough, relentless and an inspirational leader who hated to lose any sort of contest. In Melbourne’s golden era of 1953 to 1964, Ron played in no fewer than eight Grand Finals, winning six Premierships – two as captain. Wearing the same number 31 guernsey as his father, he was the games’ outstanding ruck-rover, and its most recognisable figure. Meanwhile, at Princes Park the Blues were in turmoil. Torn by disputes and divided loyalties, Carlton had made the finals only five times since their last Premiership in 1947. It was time for swift and drastic action. A reform group of committeemen and influential supporters, headed by club dentist George Harris and former star back pocket Laurie Kerr swept to power in an election landslide on December 7, 1964.

Harris became the new President. He immediately declared the position of senior coach vacant, and called for nominations. More than twenty hopefuls replied, including the incumbent, Ken Hands, but few were interviewed – because Harris had heard a whisper that Barassi was interested in spreading his wings into coaching. Harris quickly contacted Barassi and arranged a meeting. After long discussions, Ron expressed interest and promised a quick answer. The following morning he called back, saying; “I’m sorry. I’ve changed my mind. I can’t leave Melbourne.” Harris however, refused the rebuff. At seven o’clock the next morning he was back on the phone to the Barassi home. It took three hours more of earnest discussion, but when Harris did eventually put the phone down, Ron was the new captain-coach of the Old Dark Navy Blues.

The news shook the VFL like never before. Author John Powers in his book The Coach wrote; “The move shattered many people’s beliefs in the traditional concepts of sportsmanship and loyalty. Letters of protest poured into the papers and the Melbourne Football Club. Small boys wept.” Leonie Sandercock wrote in Up Where Cazaly? ; ”It signified a critical point in the development of football in Melbourne, a turning point after which traditional notions of the game revolving around club loyalty meant less and less. It marked the beginning of the new professionalism, in which money and new challenges spoke louder than old loyalties.” Carlton’s tough back-pocket Ian Collins was just bewildered. He later said; “First of all, one committee was in, then they were all out. Then the coach, with whom I’d had four years experience – was suddenly removed, and a player I didn’t like terribly much was fronting up to coach at Carlton. Such things don’t happen very often. They were a shock to the system.”

And indeed there were some shocks in store. Barassi was a fierce disciplinarian as well as a visionary. His coaching ethos revolved around eliminating errors in both the individual and the team. “Practice makes perfect is bullshit,” he would say; “only perfect practice makes perfect.” Most importantly, his methods worked, and the Blues improved markedly from tenth to sixth in 1966 (when Ron himself finished 3rd in Carlton’s Best and Fairest award) to third in 1967. Then, after 49 games in Carlton’s number 31 guernsey, Barassi retired as a player late in the ’68 season, and guided the Blues into the Grand Final against Essendon from the coaches box. Before more than 112,000 people at the MCG, Carlton won a cliff-hanger by three points, and made Ron an instant Carlton legend.

In 1969 Barassi made a surprise comeback for one last game – in round 7 against his beloved Demons, to complete 50 matches for Carlton and ensure that any sons that came along in the future would be eligible to play for either the Blues or Melbourne under the father-son rule as it then stood. However, in an anti-climactic end to a great playing career, Barassi tore a hamstring in the third quarter and was coaching from the boundary line when the final siren sounded to herald a 30-point win to the Blues. Later that year, Carlton met Richmond in the Grand Final, and were were over-run in the final quarter by a fanatical Tiger team that was too quick and too committed for a Carlton side that gave it’s all, but fell short when it mattered most.

Precisely twelve months later came Barassi’s finest hour. It began at half time in the 1970 Grand Final, when Carlton trailed Collingwood by 44 points. With nothing to lose, Ron gambled on a bold tactic that he had nurtured for years – telling his team to play on at every opportunity, and to use handball to keep the ball moving at all costs. He also made some astute positional changes, and sent 19th man Ted Hopkins on to the ground in a forward pocket. In one of the greatest comebacks in finals history, Hopkins ran riot, kicking four goals as the Blues steamrolled Collingwood to win by 10 points.

Ron Barassi departed Princes Park following the 1971 season. In a VFL career in which he played 254 games and kicked 329 goals, he had worn our Navy Blue guernsey in 50 games, kicked 35 goals, and coached six seasons for two memorable Premierships. More importantly, he had swept away the complacent attitudes that existed before his arrival, and built the platform for Carlton’s dominance in the next decade. After leaving Carlton, he made a brief comeback as a player for VFA Club Port Melbourne in 1972 (where, coincidentally, he was coached by Ian Collins) before hanging up his boots for good to become heavily involved in the media.

Two seasons later, he signed to coach North Melbourne in similar circumstances to those that had occurred prior to his arrival at Carlton. The ‘Roos had had a shakeout, and were hellbent on success. Some clever recruiting paid off, and Barassi won two more Premierships at Arden Street in 1975 and 1977. In 1981 he returned to Melbourne at last, but during five years at the helm couldn’t lift them to a flag. Long an advocate of Australian Football as a truly national code, Barassi next answered an SOS from the Sydney Swans in 1993 but couldn’t lift them from the bottom rungs of the ladder in his three year stay. Despite limited success, one of his primary roles in Sydney was to lift the profile of the battling club , and it should not be overlooked that he blooded a lot of youngsters during his time in the Harbour City, many of whom helped them reach the 1996 Grand Final.

Still one of the most recognisable faces in the country, Barassi remains heavily involved in the game that has been his lifelong passion. Melbourne and The Kangaroos have legitimate claims to his allegiance, but he will forever be revered at Carlton for that wonderful stroke of genius – one day in September, 1970.

The late Colin Prosser. (Photo: Sunshine Coast Daily)

More By Tony De Bolfo, Carlton Media

Left to right: Graeme Emanuel, Ron Barassi, Graham Donaldson and John Nicholls embrace at the final siren during the 1968 Grand Final.

More By Tony De Bolfo, Carlton Media

Happy 40th birthday to Matthew Lappin

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From the Blueseum

Matthew Lappin

Career: 1999 – 2007
Debut: Round 1, 1999 vs Essendon, aged 23 years, 36 days
Carlton Player No. 1 030
Games: 196 (Carlton; Overall: 251)
Goals: 221 (Carlton; Overall: 247)
Guernsey No. 12
Last game: Round 20, 2007 vs Essendon, aged 31 years, 182 days
Height: 182cm
Weight: 78kg
DOB: 17 February, 1976
Leading Goalkicker: 2001

What a pleasure it is to write a profile on Carlton star, Matthew Lappin. There’s no doubt that “Skinny” Lappin was a club favourite given his small stature, amazing skill levels, freakish goal abilities at times and well, let’s be honest, cheap trade price where we grabbed him from the Saints (together with Pick 58) in return for picks 22 and 53 in 1998. Begley and Schwarze were OK players, but nowhere in the league of our Matty Lappin.

Lappin was originally drafted in 1993 with pick #40. Over 5 seasons with the Saints, it is fair to say that Lappin, although seen to be skilled, underperformed with 55 games and 26 goals.

But the trade to the Blues suited Lappin, who found himself the key small forward on the list. He made an immediate impact, with a Mark of the Year in his first game for the Blues – Round 1, 1999, being leading goalkicker in 2001 (49 from a small forward) and fast became one of the senior players on the team. He has also become very reliable for injuries with minimal games lost, playing 178 games with the Blues between 1999 and 2006 at just under 20 a season.

But the best was probably yet to come. Although Lappin turned down a lucrative offer to join Richmond in 2002 as the Blues fell to the wooden spoon, Lappin was thrown back to defence in 2003 and 2004 and became a key rebounding defender. In 2004, Lappin made the All-Australian team and was very very very unlucky not to win the inaugural John Nicholls Medal, coming third in a tight contest with David Teague and Nick Stevens. The money was on Lappin, who had a standout year. In 22 games at half back he averaged 20.2 disposals and 5.2 marks a game

Lappin had a tougher year in 2005, as the entire team struggled to win matches and was thrown around all over the field. He still played all 22 games, averaging 16.8 possessions, kicking 25 goals and finishing sixth in the Best and Fairest. Come seasons end and some tricky contract negotations, Lappin remained loyal to Carlton, signing up for 2 more years. He was made vice captain in 2006.

In 2006, Lappin played the first 13 games but his unbroken run of 69 consecutive league games came to an end in Round 14 after withdrawing just before the game with a knee injury. He returned in Round 15 but struggled to get into the game, only gathering 7 possessions. He spent the next 2 games in the VFL but returned in Round 18 with renewed enthusiasm and had between 23 & 36 possessions in the final 5 games of 2006. For the seventh straight year, Lappin finished in the top 10 at the club for possessions. Even though 2006 had been an up and down year for Matthew, he again finished in the top 10 in the Best and Fairest.

Lappin would have an up and down 2007; from a slow start in Rounds 1 and 2 to a pivotal forward role in our resurgence in the Essendon clash, to near BOG against the Eagles the week after and 5 goals against the Bulldogs, and then again to a few quiet games in the middle of the year. Lappin would kick 18 goals to Round 15 to prove himself still dangerous around goals. He played his 250th AFL game against St Kilda in Round 17 and again managed to kick a goal.

Shortly after pulling out of the Round 21 clash versus North with a sore back apparently caused by unfolding a stroller, and on a sad day for Carlton, Lappin announced his retirement after 196 games in Navy Blue, and 251 AFL games overall. Unfortunately, Blues fans were not able to say goodbye to Lapin in his final game in Round 20, but he would leave us with 2 lasting memories in that game through his two majors of the day – a wonderful left foot impulse snap from 25 metres out after a contest, and a rollicking bouncing shot from outside of the 50.

Skinny was a Champion player and a favourite of many Carlton fans. Lappin also had International Honours in 2001, 2005 and 2006, proving again that he was one of the best, and most elusive, players in the land of this era.

Lappin’s stellar contribution to the Club was not yet complete, however, with his appointment as an Assistant Development Coach for 2008. The role saw him continue in Northern Blues colours in 2008 before moving to an Assistant (Forward line) Coach role at the Club for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Lappin became part of Mick Malthouses’ stable in 2011 when he was appointed as an assistant coach at Collingwood.

Would lose weight just looking at a buffet. Although devoid of build his ability to control his body in any number of positions was exceptional. A complete player who could play well above his height when required, his flexibility allowed him to play the role of Mr. Fix-it to perfection.

Milestones

50th Carlton Game: Round 1, 2001 vs Fremantle
100th Carlton Game: Round 7, 2003 vs St Kilda
150th Carlton Game: Round 13, 2005 vs Western Bulldogs
100th AFL Game: Round 21, 2000 vs Port Adelaide
150th AFL Game: Round 2, 2003 vs Collingwood
200th AFL Game: Round 8, 2005 vs Geelong
250th AFL game: Round 17, 2007 vs St Kilda

100 Goals (Carlton): Round 18, 2001 vs Essendon
200 Goals (Carlton): Round 18, 2006 vs Melbourne
100 Goals (AFL): Round 4, 2001 vs Adelaide
200 Goals (AFL): Round 3, 2005 vs Collingwood

Career Highlights

1999 – Mark Of The Year
1999 – 9th Best and Fairest
2001 – Leading Goalkicker
2001 – International Rules Series
2001 – 3rd Best and Fairest
2002 – 10th Best and Fairest
2003 – 4th Best and Fairest
2004 – 3rd Best and Fairest
2004 – All Australian
2004 – Most Carlton Votes in the Brownlow Medal
2005 – Pre Season Premiership Player
2005 – International Rules Series
2005 – 6th Best and Fairest
2006 – 8th Best and Fairest
2006 – Internatonal Rules Series
2007 – Pre-Season Premiership Player

By Tony De Bolfo

The Carlton Football Club is opening its doors to all senior footballers who ever wore the dark Navy Blue guernsey, together with former officials and staff members, to a reunion gathering and free barbecue breakfast at the old ground.

The club, in conjunction with the Spirit of Carlton, is extending the invitation to the aforementioned – together with their wives and/or partners, children and/or grandchildren – to also view a closed training session involving the current-listed footballers under Brendon Bolton’s watch on the morning of Saturday, March 5.

Carlton is opening up the inner sanctum – the locker room – to enable former players to be photographed on the day with their loved ones by the lockers carrying their old guernsey numbers. The club will also hold a free barbecue breakfast at which those players and officials who so ably served Carlton can renew their old friendships.

Recently setting the tone were descendants of dual Carlton Premiership player the late Charlie McInnes – his daughter Laurie Morgan, grandson Luke and great granddaughters Ava and Alexa – who paid the old ground a welcome visit to be photographed in front of ol’ Charlie’s No.31 locker.

For the McInnes clan, it was as if the club had given Charlie back.

“It was absolutely sensational to see Dad’s locker, but to have Luke there and my two granddaughters to share the moment made it really lovely,” Laurie said.

“It means a lot to go back. I’d only ever been in the old rooms a couple of times and they weren’t done up like they are now.”

Charlie McInnes (left) and Rod McLean join Richmond’s Dick Harris in pursuit of the pigskin, MCG circa 1930s. (Image courtesy of Luke Morgan)

Charlie, who died in neighboring Brunswick at the age of 76 back in 1992, represented Carlton in 118 senior appearances from 1938 to 1946, which also took in the wartime years. Those 118 games included the 1938 and ’45 Premiership games against Collingwood and South Melbourne, both of which Charlie started as 19^th man.

According to Laurie, her father famously (or perhaps infamously) crossed paths with the former Collingwood rover Lou Richards, when the latter debuted for the black and whites at Princes Park in the 6^th round of 1941.

“Lou mentioned Dad in his book and I suspect it’s a tale, but he said he introduced himself to Dad before the first bounce and Dad shook his hand and wished him well – but by the time the ball was bounced Lou was flat on his back having been punched in the face,” Laurie said.

“I remember Dad talking to me about the old boots they used to wear. He said they all wore highcuts, which is why there were never any ankle injuries.

“In truth, Dad was a quiet man. He didn’t say very much and he’d finished playing by the time I was born. But he had a love for Carlton all his life and in later years he used to take me to the old ground.”

As with Laurie, Charlie’s grandson Luke was similarly captivated by the Carlton locker room, specifically the locker No.31.

“It was fantastic to be in the room, it was quite emotional for Mum and it was great to get my girls involved too. They’re only young and this was their first experience in being immersed in the club,” Luke said.

“I was very nervous walking in to the locker room because I know it’s normally off limits. I had that incredible feeling walking in – it was very special and truly exciting.”

Carlton Past Players & Officials Reunion

Where: Ikon Park
When: Saturday 5 March 2016, 9:00am

Expressions of interest to attend should be directed to the form on the following page. http://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/2016-02-09/past-playersofficials-reunion-planned

As the Blues prepare to take on archrival Essendon at their traditional home in Princes Park, we’re giving you the chance to soak up all the pre-game excitement and atmosphere right before the first bounce.

On Sunday 28 February the Spirit of Carlton is holding a game-day luncheon in the George Harris Room at Ikon Park.

Col Kinnear will be your MC, while other past players including Geoff Southby will also be in the room.

Your ticket includes a two-course lunch and beverage package, as well as reserved seats to watch the Blues take on the Bombers.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Happy 80th Birthday to Len Cottrell.

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From the Blueseum

Len Cottrell

Career: 1958 – 59
Debut: Round 3, 1958 v Geelong, aged 22 years, 89 days
Carlton Player No. 715
Games: 12
Goals: 2
Last game: Round 18, 1959 v North Melbourne, aged 23 years, 214 days
Guernsey No. 32
Height: 185cm
Weight: 83kg
DOB: 27 January, 1936

Cottrell played 12 games for the Blues commencing in season 1958. He was recruited from Myrtleford.

In his debut match against Geelong The Age said;
“Recruit Len Cottrell did a splendid job in his first League match but, against a team with stronger rovers, the Blues could have been in trouble.”

He kicked 2 goals and wore the No. 32 Guernsey.

Happy 70th birthday to Ian Robertson.

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From the Blueseum

Ian Robertson

Career : 1966 – 1974
Debut : Round 1, 1966 vs Richmond, aged 20 years, 90 days
Carlton Player No. 779
Games : 129 (125 at Carlton)
Goals : 86 (85 at Carlton)
Last Game : Round 8, 1974 vs Footscray, aged 28 years, 120 days
Guernsey No. 34
Height : 185 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 89.5 kg (14 stone, 1 lb.)
DOB : 25 January, 1946
Premiership Player 1968, 1970, 1972

A familiar figure to generations of young fans as a television commentator with the Channel 7 network, Ian Robertson had previously been a star in three Premiership teams for Carlton – an elegant, pacey, versatile player who was a brilliant exponent of the running drop-kick.

Born in suburban Footscray in 1946, Ian Anthony ‘Robbo’ Robertson grew up in the lush farming country around Wonthaggi in south-east Victoria. By his mid-teens, everyone at Dalyston Football Club was predicting a VFL career for the rangy key forward, so early in 1966, Ian’s father wrote to the Footscray Bulldogs, requesting a trial for his son. But when no answer came from the Western Oval, another letter was sent to Carlton Football Club, and the Blues’ new captain-coach Ron Barassi replied with an invitation to a trial game. Impressed with the tall youngster’s attitude as much as his ability, Barassi signed him on the spot, and their association couldn’t have begun at a better time. After years of mediocrity, Carlton had stunned the football world by recruiting Barassi, and the Navy Blues were on the road back to Premiership glory.

Robertson’s first senior game was played on Anzac Day, 1966, against traditional rival Richmond at the MCG. It was a big occasion and Carlton’s half-forward line was very well synchronised. Flankers Bryan Quirk and Jim Pleydell wore guernsey numbers 32 and 33 respectively, while at centre half-forward Robertson made his debut in number 34. The trio kicked five goals between them, but an open, entertaining contest eventually went to the Tigers by one straight kick.

Robbo went on to play eight games in his debut season, switching between centre half-forward, full-forward, centre and wing. At 185 cm he was appreciably taller than most wingmen of that era, yet he was rarely beaten for pace when he played out wide. And his marking skills and penetrative kicking made him an exciting prospect. Although Carlton missed the finals in 1966 by ending up sixth on the ladder, with a little more luck (we lost four games by a goal or less) the Blues might have sneaked into the top four.

Before the 1967 season began, Footscray complained to the VFL that Carlton’s recruitment of Robertson contravened AFL rules. According to the Bulldogs, Ian’s father had assured them that his son would play at the Western Oval before Carlton intervened. Those allegations were strenuously denied by the Blues, and the matter dragged on for weeks – only ending when the Blues reluctantly agreed to settle the matter by clearing our big-hearted ruckman Ken Greenwood to the ‘Dogs as compensation for missing out on Robertson.

Carlton’s determination to hang on to Robbo was quickly justified, when he blossomed into one of the rising stars of the VFL in ’67. Barassi shared the conviction that tall wingmen were an advantage in ideal conditions on the MCG at finals time, and so challenged Robertson to make one side of every league ground his own. More often than not, that’s exactly what he did. He played in all 20 of Carlton’s matches in ‘67, and kept his attacking skills ticking over with a handy contribution of 21 goals. Carlton finished second on the ladder to qualify for ourfirst final series for five years, only to be knocked out of contention by Richmond and Geelong in successive weeks. Even so, there was no doubt that the Blues were building momentum.

The re-emergence of Carlton as a league power began with our 1968 Grand Final victory over Essendon – the Blues’ first Premiership in 21 long years. On a windswept MCG, in front of almost 117,000 spectators, Carlton beat a dogged Bombers team by three points in a low-scoring thriller. The Blues’ superb centreline of Gary Crane, Brent Crosswell and Ian Robertson – aided by the ruck dominance of captain John Nicholls – was the springboard for the Premiership that had been yearned for at Princes Park since 1947.

Boosted by that performance in his first Grand Final, Robbo stepped up a gear in 1969, when his spectacular long kicking and rock-solid consistency made him one of the most popular of Carlton’s stars. After beating Collingwood in the second semi-final of that year, the Blues qualified for their second successive Grand Final as favourites against Richmond. But on match day the Tigers staged a massive form reversal, and with Robbo’s opponent Billy Barrot chopping us up across the centre, they eventually triumphed by 25 points.

The deep disappointment of that loss lasted only until the 1970 Final Series, when Robbo wiped the slate clean with another fine game in the most famous Grand Final of them all. Facing a fit and confident Collingwood at a packed MCG, Carlton trailed by 44 points at half time, forcing Barassi into engineering a football miracle. Urging his team to play on at all costs; to run, to back each other up and handball, handball, handball – he saw his boys come roaring back into the game after the long break. Kicking eight goals to three in the third quarter, and five goals to one in the last, the Blues overwhelmed Collingwood to snatch the flag by ten points. Understandably, Barassi, Robbo and every Bluebagger celebrated long and hard after that incredible day.

Robbo made his fourth Grand Final appearance and earned his third Premiership medal in 1972, this time at the gleeful expense of Richmond. The Tigers had beaten Carlton convincingly in three of their four matches that year, including a replay of the drawn second semi-final. After thrashing the Blues by six goals in the rematch, the Tigers became red-hot Premiership favourites.

However, it was Carlton who came out smoking on Grand Final day, fired-up by the passion of new captain-coach John Nicholls. Looking to unsettle the Tiger’s confidence, Nicholls and the match committee opted for a game plan of all-out attack from the first bounce, and the ploy worked beautifully. In another superb display of skill and accuracy in front of goal, Carlton slammed on a record score of 28.9. 177, coasting in the last quarter to allow Richmond to salvage some pride and finish with a scoreline of 22.18. 150. Robbo controlled his wing all day as part of a dominant centreline, while Peter Jones, Robert Walls, Bruce Doull, Alex Jesaulenko and Nicholls himself were simply outstanding on another glorious day for the Old Dark Navy Blues.

That third ascent to the top of the football mountain marked the high point of Robbo’s career. He had missed only a handful of senior games in the previous five years, but in 1973 he was struck down by injury and played just one game. Form and fitness then eluded him into early ’74, and he was forced to wait until round six before he was given another opportunity at senior level. Whatever the cause, the old spark was proving hard to rekindle for Robbo, but it was still a shock for many Carlton Fans when the club announced that all parties had agreed to his mid-season transfer to – yes, Footscray.

Ironically, Robbo’s last game for Carlton – in round six of 1974, was against the Bulldogs at Princes Park – and ended in a draw! One week later he was at the Western Oval, where he managed just four games before bowing to the inevitable and hanging up his boots at season’s end. In an enviable career, he had racked up 129 games, 87 goals and three Premiership medals.

Happily, Robbo wasn’t immediately lost to either the Carlton Football Club or the wider football community. For many years after his retirement he was a regular on the sports night circuit and later, a long-serving television football commentator. While he was sometimes accused him of bias toward the Blues, most fair-minded viewers appreciated his incisiveness behind the microphone. Carlton supporters on the other hand, loved the obvious fact that Robbo always wore his heart on his sleeve – and his heart beat Navy Blue.

Milestones

50 Games: Round 2, 1969 vs Hawthorn
100 Games:Round 16, 1971 vs St Kilda

Happy 90th birthday to Allan Greenshields.

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From the Blueseum

Allan Greenshields

Playing Career : 1947 – 1949
Debut : Round 1, 1947 vs Melbourne, aged 21 years 86 days
Carlton Player No. 614
Games : 16
Goals : 2
Last Game : Round 6, 1949 vs Geelong, aged 23 years 119 days
Guernsey Nos. 29 (1947-48) and 19 (1949)
Height : 178 cm (5 ft. 10 in.)
Weight : 74 kgs (11 stone, 9 lbs.)
DOB : January 22, 1926
Premiership Player : 1947

A capable utility who was a reserve in Carlton’s 1947 Premiership team, Allan Greenshields spent three seasons at Princes Park without managing to establish himself in a strong Carlton line-up. He earned the wry nickname of ‘Splinters’ in his debut year, by being named on the bench in ten of his thirteen senior games.

Two of those matches were memorable finals victories over Essendon; the 1947 second Semi Final, and two weeks later, the famous last-minute triumph over the Bombers in the Grand Final. Yet despite that promising start to his career, Greenshields played only three more times for the Blues over the next two seasons, and in 1949 decided that perhaps there were more opportunities elsewhere. He played his last match in navy blue against Melbourne at Princes Park in round 6, 1949, and went out on a high note when he slotted both of his Carlton career goals in a solid 39-point win over the Demons.

Later that same year, he turned out for St Kilda, in the first of 57 appearances he would make as a defender for the Saints in a six-year stay at the Junction Oval.

Greenshields played at various clubs, that included; Rainbow, Pascoe Vale and Coburg.

Ken Judge was Carlton’s assistant coach in the premiership year of 1995.

More By Tony De Bolfo, Carlton Media

Happy 40th birthday to Adam White.

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From the Blueseum

Adam White

Career : 1997 – 2000
Debut : Round 2, 1997 vs the Kangaroos, aged 21 years, 88 days
Carlton Player No. 1014
Games : 44
Goals : 21
Final Game : Round 21, 2000 vs Port Adelaide, aged 24 years, 203 days
Guernsey No. 30
Height : 188 cm (6 ft. 2 in.)
Weight : 89 kg (14 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : January 9, 1976

Adam White showed glimpses of real potential during his first three seasons at Princes Park, and played in two of Carlton’s 1999 epic finals matches. However, he is probably best remembered for a bizarre incident during the Blues’ loss to Adelaide in 1997, when he crashed into a field umpire and knocked himself out cold. After 44 senior appearances, White retired from AFL football in 2000, and launched a new career as an independent film-maker.

Well-built, with good pace and aerial skills, White was recruited by the Blues with pick 41 in the 1994 National Draft. Originally from East Burwood, he had impressed as a creative midfielder with the Eastern Ranges at Under-18 level. Carlton assigned him guernsey number 42 to start with, but after one season he switched to number 30. Two seasons of Reserves football followed, before Adam was selected for his first senior game against North Melbourne in a Monday night match at the MCG in round 2, 1997. Starting on the interchange bench, he was eased into the match, and kicked a goal on debut as the Blues went down by 26 points.

Over the next four seasons, White became a regular bench player who seemed most comfortable in the spaces on a wing. Like many others, consistency proved elusive, although he could be quite dynamic in bursts – as he showed against Collingwood in round 21, 1998 when he dashed from the centre and kicked a spectacular goal with one of his 22 possessions.

In 1999 he played finals football for the first time, but was sparingly used off the interchange bench in both the Semi Final victory over West Coast, and the following week’s one-point triumph over Essendon. He didn’t make the cut for the Grand Final against North Melbourne, and a persistent thigh strain disrupted his progress in 2000. He did eventually work his way back into the senior side, although his only appearance for the year – against Port Adelaide at Football Park in round 21 – was to be his last at top level.

Adam remained with Carlton Reserves throughout 2001, and retired at the end of the season. He headed back to East Burwood the following year, where he completed his tertiary studies in video production and photography before launching his new career behind the camera.

Over the next decade, White earned plaudits for his work as a director and producer of short films, including ‘A Black and White World’, ‘Toucan’ and ‘Attack’, along with the 10-episode TV series ‘Kane & Disabled’.

May be the only player in the history of the game to have been knocked unconscious by an umpire. Having played high level basketball as a junior, his sporting background suggested that he had much to offer the CFC. But circumstance prevented him finding a regular position in a deep team. Never the typical football type, his work in film as a creative talent and director is highly regarded – watch this space.

Career Highlights

1997 – Pre-Season Premiership Player
1998 – The Past Players’ Association Encouragement Award

Happy 70th Birthday to Brian Kekovich.

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From the Blueseum

Brian Kekovich

Career : 1967 – 1968
Debut : Round 1, 1967 vs Fitzroy, aged 21 years, 97 days
Carlton Player No. 794
Games : 34
Goals : 97
Guernsey No. 16
Last Game: Grand Final, 1968 vs Essendon, aged 22 years, 264 days
Height : 187 cm (6 ft. 2 in.)
Weight : 87 kg (13 stone, 10 lbs.)
Date of Birth: 7 January, 1946
Premiership Player: 1968
Leading Goalkicker: 1967, 1968

The older brother of North Melbourne champion Sam Kekovich, Brian was a star full-forward from Myrtleford who arrived at Princes Park in 1967 with huge expectations on his shoulders. In his 34 games for Carlton in two seasons, Kekovich showed the same mercurial ability as his brother later would, before his career was cruelly cut short by a chronic back injury in the midst of Premiership celebrations.

At 187 cm and 87 kg, with strong hands and a powerful left foot kick, Kekovich settled into a Carlton team on the rise and booted 36 goals in his first season. Carlton finished second after the home and away rounds of 1967, then disappointingly lost both of their finals matches to end the year in third place. Those failures spurred the Blues into season 1968, and although Essendon won both of their encounters during the home and away rounds, Ron Barassi‘s team gate-crashed the Grand Final with a 36-point upset win over the Bombers in the second Semi Final. Midway through that year, Brian had hurt his back when he was crunched in a marking duel, but ignored the pain and played on. He had made a big impression in only his second year of VFL football, booting 59 goals by the time the Blues faced Essendon in the flag decider.

A swirling cross-wind turned the ’68 Grand Final into a close, mistake-ridden encounter. The match was highlighted by Kekovich’s four goals in Carlton’s winning tally of seven; and Garry Crane’s outstanding game on the wing to be voted Best on Ground. In a tight finish, Carlton won by three points and claimed the club’s first flag since 1947. Brian’s contribution to that long-awaited triumph was significant, in so far as Carlton’s five losses for the year were the only five matches he missed!

Only a short while after the Grand Final – when Kekovich sought treatment for his back – the diagnosis came as a total shock. He was advised to retire from football immediately – or risk spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Unfortunately for him and for Carlton, Brian’s short but successful career in the number 16 Navy Blue Guernsey was over.

Happy 50th birthday to Jamie Dunlop.

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From the Blueseum

Jamie Dunlop

Career: 1987 – 1990
944th Carlton Player
Debut: Round 4, 1987 vs West Coast, aged 21 years, 103 days
Games: 21
Goals: 3
Final Game: Round 21, 1990 vs Hawthorn, aged 24 years, 232 days
Guernsey No. 24 (1987 – 1990)
Height: 196cm
Weight: 85kg
DOB: 5 January, 1966

Recruited from St Marks in outer-suburban Fawkner (he also played for Fawkner), Dunlop was a bullocking 196cm ruckman who played 21 games for the Blues in the late 1980s, starting in 1987. His game time was limited as Justin Madden was slowly developing into one of Carlton’s all time great ruckmen, and others like Peter Sartori and Mick Gallagher were reasonable backups. He was aggressive but never really took advantage of his strength, and was a victim of the list purge in the early 90s. He was reported in his first game against West Coast Eagles for striking Laurie Keene, he was given a reprimand.

His older brother Daryl Dunlop had also played for the Blues U/19’s and Reserve teams.

He was known for a particular party trick of being able to eat a McDonalds “Quarter Pounder” and “Cheesburger” together in one bite.

Dunlop wore No.54 and No. 40 in 1984, No. 42 in 1985, and No.52 in 1986 whilst playing with the Blues reserves.

Career Highlights

1985 – Equal 3rd Under 19s Best & Fairest
1986 – Reserves Premiership
1986 – Reserves 3rd Leading Goalkicker
1987 – Reserves Best Clubman Award
1990 – Best Clubman Award
1990 – 3rd Reserves Best & Fairest
1990 – Reserves Premiership

A happy 70th birthday to Dennis O’Sullivan.

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From the Blueseum

Dennis O’Sullivan

Career : 1965
Debut : Round 9, 1965 vs Fitzroy, aged 19 years, 160 days
Carlton Player No. 774
Games : 3
Goals : 0
Last Game : Round 11, 1965 vs St Kilda, aged 19 years, 179 days
Guernsey No. 35
Height : 179 cm (5 ft. 10 in.)
Weight : 77 kg (12 stone, 2 lbs.)
DOB : January 5, 1946

Dennis O’Sullivan joined the Blues in 1965, the first year of Ron Barassi’s tenure as captain-coach of the Blues. A local lad from Melbourne’s northern suburbs, he had begun his football career at Coburg YCW, before moving on to Batman, then Essendon Under 19’s.

Although he had been cut by the Bombers after just one season in 1964, O’Sullivan believed that he was good enough to play senior VFL football. Therefore, the next year saw him at Carlton, where some good showings in the pre-season practice matches won him a place on the Blues’ list. He had played mostly as a rover-forward to that point of his career, but when he was sent to the back pocket in the Reserves, he found his niche.

After a string of eye-catching games with the seconds, O’Sullivan became the 12th Blue to wear guernsey number 35 in a VFL match when he was called into Carlton’s senior team in round 9, to enjoy a big debut win over Fitzroy at the Brunswick Street oval. Another good victory followed in round 10 at Princes Park, when the Baggers accounted for Footscray, but the following week he was relegated to the bench before the Blues went down in a thriller to St Kilda in their first-ever clash at Moorabbin.

Thereafter, O’Sullivan played out the year at the lower grade, showing consistent good form without earning another chance at the top level. Despite being a clear winner of the Reserves Best and Fairest award, he was delisted at season’s end.

Footnote

During seasons 1963 and ’64, O’Sullivan was occasionally called in as a “top-up” player for Carlton Reserves. On those occasions, he wore guernsey number 53.

The Spirit of Carlton Past and Present wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We all look forward to an exciting 2016!

The Spirit of Carlton Past and Present would like to extend our deep commiserations to the family and friends of Len (Leonard) Davies who passed away last Friday on the 4th of December.

Len was a past player (ruckman) recruited from Rainbow in the Mallee, a Carlton squad member for the 1954/55 seasons. He trained alongside the likes of Ken Hands & Jack Howell under coach Percey Bentley. He played consistently in the 2’s, but couldn’t break into the seniors although he was named emergency 3 times. Unfortunately a torn knee cartilage in only his second season forced his withdrawal from the game.

Len was later very active in the Carlton Past Players Association, in capacity of Secretary (and barman) for some years. For part of that time the Past Players had rooms under the Robert Heatley stand at Princes Park. He and Ken pretty much ran the match day duties. For his considerable contributions Len was made a life member of the Carlton Past Players Association.

During the 2013 season, Len was awarded a certificate celebrating 64 years continuous membership of the club.

Len was also active in the AFL Combined Past Players & Officials Association where he was bestowed the honour of life member.

His funeral is being held at Joyce Chapel, Fawkner Memorial Park, 1187 Sydney Road Fawkner at 1:30pm Thursday 10/12/2015.

We can advise that the family wishes that interested members of the Past Players Association & AFL Combined Past Players & Officials Association, may pay their respects should they wish.

A message from Dennis Munari

As a former Past President of the Carlton Football Club Past Players Association  I would like to personally pass on my condolences to the Davies  family on the passing of Len and acknowledge his contribution.

Personally I will always be grateful for Lens  loyalty, hard work and support  and acknowledge that  Len was one of our most dedicated,  loyal and hard working servants of our Association for so many years dating from 1960s

His contribution  during the formative years of the association under Ken Hands in the 1950 -60 s, through to Chris Pavlou and then myself earned Lenny  the respect of all our members. He was always in attendance at our committee meetings, despite the distance he had to travel and his increasing health issues,  and on match days along with Graeme Anderson gave up his time to manage the bar at our Saturday Match Functions until stumps.

I always found  Lenny to be a quiet unassuming man with strong views when they had to be expressed and without question a truly dedicated and loyal  past player. He was always willing to assist with anything that had to be done to achieve our goals and objectives and I am sure that  Ken Hands, Chris Pavlou and myself –  all former Presidents of the Carlton Football Club Past Players Association were grateful for his contribution, loyalty and support in helping to keep the association strong and viable for so many years.

In addition  Len was our club delegate to the AFL Combined Past Players Association for many years  and assisted in  organising their Annual Bowls Day and putting together Carlton’s representative teams. His magnificent contribution to both Associations earned Len Life Membership which he thoroughly deserved.

I can say from personal  experience that the  likes of Len Davies  along with many others  ongoing contribution to our association is a major reason why the Carlton Football Club Past Players Association ( now Spirit of Carlton Past and Present) has retained its  strong relevance as a united sub section of the Carlton Football Club.

Len would be the first to admit that he  may not have been a high profile past player however  in many ways  he represents why we changed the name of our past player association to  – the Spirit of Carlton Past and Present.

I am sure Len’s spirit will live on and his contribution  to our great club will  always be remembered.

 

Yours sincerely,

Dennis Munari

Happy 70th birthday to Terry Board!

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Career : 1965 – 1968
Debut : Round 1, 1965 vs Hawthorn, aged 19 years, 163 days
Carlton Player No. 769
Games : 41
Goals : 42
Last Game : Round 18, 1968 vs Collingwood, aged 22 years, 285 days
Guernsey No. 24
Height : 173 cm (5 ft. 8 in.)
Weight : 73 kg ( 11 stone, 7 lbs.)
DOB : November 5, 1945

An honest, hard-working rover from the famous Western District club South Warrnambool, Terry Board played his first game for the Navy Blues round 1, 1965, against Hawthorn at Glenferrie Oval. That achievement however, was completely overshadowed by the parallel debut that day of ex-Melbourne champion Ron Barassi, who had sensationally been appointed captain-coach of Carlton during the off-season.

On that pivotal Saturday afternoon, a record crowd of 36,000 packed into the Hawks’ headquarters, and saw a disciplined Carlton side come out on top by six goals, with Board more than handy in the role of second rover. Working in tandem with Adrian Gallagher, Terry kicked two majors, and gave every indication that he would be a handy acquisition. From then on, he went on to tally up 16 games and 20 goals for the year, and his future looked bright.

But the second-year tremors struck in ’66, restricting him to only five senior matches, and a four-week suspension – incurred against Richmond in round 12, for striking his opponent Peter Hogan – didn’t help his cause. By the time Carlton returned to finals action in 1967, Board had been displaced from the senior team by Dennis Munari, who partnered ‘Gags’ Gallagher throughout the Blues’ barren finals campaign of straight sets losses to Richmond and Geelong.

In 1968, Board seemed to be back to near his best when he made Carlton’s starting line-up for five successive games between rounds 4 and 8, only to be omitted again until late the season. He played again in rounds 17 and 18, then saw out the year with the Reserves while Carlton went on to edge out Essendon by 3 points in a tense Grand Final, to claim our club’s ninth VFL Premiership.

A few weeks later, Board received the dreaded news that his services were no longer required, and so ended his career at Princes Park on 41 games and 42 goals. He wore guernsey number 24 throughout his stay. Shortly after parting with the Blues, Board was appointed playing coach of the North Gambier Tigers in the Western Border League. In 1976, his eldest son Jim was recruited by Collingwood, and went on to play 7 games and boot 5 goals in his single season in black and white. His other son, Terry M. Board, was recruited by Fitzroy in 1988. In an interrupted four-year stay with the Lions, Terry jnr. managed 15 senior games and kicked just the one major.