Round 15, 1938

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

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.

Brian Buckley: 3rd August

Career : 1956 – 1965
Debut : Round 16, 1956 vs Collingwood, aged 21 years, 1 day
Carlton Player No. 705
Games : 116
Goals : 6
Last Game : Round 18, 1965 vs Essendon, aged 30 years, 25 days
Guernsey Nos. 35 (1956) and 4 (1957-65)
Height : 184 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 82.5 kg (13 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : 3 August, 1935

On the day after his 21st birthday, Brian Buckley experienced a dream start to his VFL career when Carlton beat Collingwood by 13 points at Victoria Park in round 16, 1956. By then, Brian had already spent five seasons in navy blue, having begun with Carlton’s Under 19 squad (and played in their Premiership team) in 1951. Buckley had been recruited from Coburg U/17’s.

Throughout the next ten seasons, Buckley became one of the most popular Carlton players of his era – not because of spectacular play or goal-kicking prowess – but rather for his reliability in defence for the Blues. A capable tap ruckman whose strong marking was his biggest asset, he regularly filled in at full-back, but was perhaps most valuable while minding the opposing ruckmen in the pocket.

Brian played in a lean period for the Blues, with his only finals appearances coming in 1957 (when he was 19th man in Carlton’s Semi Final loss to Hawthorn) and 1962 (when he was consistently good throughout a tough series of finals games, only to miss out on a place in Carlton’s Grand Final team because of injury). He wore guernsey number 4 in all but the first three of his 116 senior matches, and kicked 6 goals from his rare forays into the forward line.

On departing from Princes Park, he was appointed captain-coach of Port Melbourne in 1966, and took the Borough to a VFA Premiership in his first season. Leading his team in the ruck, he had a young Peter Bedford playing in the centre, and another ex-Blue; Barry Schmidt on one half-forward flank.

Ken Jungwirth: 3rd August

Playing Career : 1967
Only Game : Round 12, 1967 Aged 20 years 346 days
800th Carlton Player
Goals : Nil
Guernsey No. 47
Height : 183 cm (6’0″)
Weight : 78.5 kgs (12.5)
DOB : August 3,1946

Wearing the #47, Jungwirth ran out in Navy Blue for a single game in Season 1967. His only game was a victory over Fitzroy at Princes Park by 8 points.

Jungwirth was 183cm tall, and came in at 79 kilos. He had played 4 games and scored a goal for Melbourne during 1966.

Jungwirth was recruited from Melbourne/Murrumbeena High School.

Ron Auchettl: 4th August

Career : 1966 – 1969
Debut : Round 18, 1966 vs Geelong, aged 20 years, 23 days
Carlton Player No. 792
Games : 17
Goals : 8
Last Game : Round 17, 1969 vs Geelong, aged 23 years, 5 days
Guernsey Nos. 17 (1966) & 41 (1967-69)
Height : 184 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 84 kg (13 stone, 3 lbs.)
DOB : 4 August, 1946

Ron Auchettl (pronounced ‘Ocker-tell’) was a journeyman flanker who filled various roles at Carlton from 1966 to ’69 after being recruited from Merlynston in Melbourne’s north.

Ron’s time at Princes Park coincided with the legendary recruiting spree of the Barassi era, so he found himself part of one of the most talented player groups ever assembled by the Blues. This limited his opportunities, but his persistence still brought him 17 senior appearances and 8 goals in four seasons, including Carlton’s 29 point loss to Geelong in the 1967 Preliminary Final.

Ron captained the Blues’ Reserves team in his final season, then was cleared to Bendigo League heavyweights Castlemaine as captain-coach in 1970.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pics and bios.

Happy Birthday Alex Jesaulenko

Playing Career : 1967 – 1979
Debut : Round 1, 1967 vs Fitzroy, aged 21 years, 255 days
Carlton Player No. 793
Games : 256
Goals : 424
Last Game : Grand Final, 1979 vs Collingwood, aged 34 years, 57 days
Guernsey No. 25
Height : 182 cm (5 ft. 11½ in.)
Weight : 89 kgs (14 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : August 2, 1945
Premiership Player: 1968, 1970, 1972, 1979
Leading Goalkicker : 1969, 1970, 1971
Captain: 1975, 1976
Captain-Coach: 1978, 1979
Best and Fairest: 1975
Carlton Hall of Fame
Team of the Century
AFL Team of the Century
Carlton and AFL Legend

In 1995, legendary player and coach Ron Barassi published his memoirs, which included three teams made up of (a) the best players he had played alongside, (b) the best players he had coached, and (c) the best players he had seen, throughout his celebrated career that began in 1953 at Melbourne. Only two men made all three teams, and both were from Carlton; John Nicholls and Alex Jesaulenko. Nicholls of course, is widely regarded as Carlton’s greatest ruckman and most influential player. But when it comes to sheer football ability; to that rare spark of match-winning genius that sets champions apart, the immortal ‘Jezza’ – Alex Jesaulenko – has had few peers.

Born in Salzburg, Austria to Ukrainian migrants who later emigrated to Australia and settled in Canberra, Alex played soccer and rugby as a boy as well as having the occasional run in with a lorry. He was 14 before he discovered Aussie Rules, and only five years later he was a star in the local competition for Eastlake. Carlton soon had him in their sights, but North Melbourne swooped on him first and signed Alex to play with them on match permits.

It was certainly a rebuff, but Carlton’s recruiters would not be deterred. After convincing Alex and his parents that Princes Park offered greater opportunities than Arden Street, a loophole was found in the VFL’s regulations, and, much to the disgust of the Kangaroos, Carlton successfully appealled to have North’s agreement with Jesaulenko ruled invalid by the ANFC. In the summer of 1966, coach Ron Barassi welcomed Alex to Princes Park, where his form in both training, and pre-season trial matches, was nothing short of sensational.

He was named in the team for the Blues’ first match of 1967, and went on to play in all 20 games that season, including two finals. Wearing the number 25 that became his icon, and playing mainly as a half-forward flanker, he kicked 34 goals, won Carlton’s Best First Year Player Award, represented Victoria in that year’s Interstate Carnival – and finished third in the Brownlow Medal count – some kind of debut!

In subsequent years the crowd roar of “Jezzzaaa!!” swelled from the terraces at every Carlton game. It was a golden era for the Blues, and Alex was soon the team’s brightest star. A fabulous high mark, brilliant at ground level and deadly around the goals, he was also remarkably versatile. Although at 183 cm and 83 kg his build was more suited to the flank or the centre, during his career he played in every position on the ground except first ruck. And when he went to full-forward in 1970 he kicked 115 goals – still the only occasion a Carlton player has slotted the “ton”. On his way to that remarkable achievement, he scored 10.2 off his own boot in round six against Fitzroy.

Jezza played 256 memorable games for Carlton – none more so than the fabled 1970 Grand Final, where took his glorious “Mark of the Century” over Collingwood’s Graham Jenkin. However, perhaps the match that demonstrated his freakish ability best of all came in July, 1972 against Essendon at Princes Park. Essendon held a four-point lead at quarter-time that day, before a human cyclone in navy blue number 25 tore the game from the Bombers’ grasp in a few unbelievable minutes. A contemporary report from the game said; ‘In just eleven minutes in the second quarter, Carlton wizard Alex Jesaulenko kicked six goals, in a show-stopping demonstration of football magic.’

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pic and bio.

Richard Dennis

Career : 1987 – 1991
Debut : Round 2, 1987 vs Collingwood, aged 20 years, 247 days
Carlton Player No. 943
Games : 57
Goals : 40
Guernsey No. 3
Last Game : Round 21, 1991 vs St Kilda, aged 25 years, 9 days
Height : 185 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 82 kg (12 stone, 13 lbs.)
DOB : 31 July, 1966
Premiership Player 1987

Like his fellow West Australian Peter Sartori, Richard ‘Rocky’ Dennis was a boom recruit for the Blues whose career was derailed by a serious injury before it really got going. A courageous and versatile forward from East Perth, Dennis arrived at Princes Park in 1987 amid big expectations, and played in a Premiership team in his first year. Then, mid-way through his second season, one of his knees gave way, and from then on he was never quite the same player again.

Dennis stepped into the spotlight in Perth when he starred for the Royals as a teenager during 1985-’86. At 185 cm his strong marking allowed him to play as a key forward, although his agility at ground level made him more suited to a flankers’ role. Carlton believed that he could develop into a real attacking weapon alongside Stephen Kernahan and Sartori, and so presented him with the number 3 guernsey recently made famous by the Blues’ 1981 and ’82 Premiership captain Mike Fitzpatrick.

Dennis made a dream start to his new career, celebrating a win over Collingwood on debut at Waverley Park, and quickly establishing a regular place in a powerful Carlton line-up. Quick for his size and a good distributor of the ball on his preferred right foot, his form was so consistent by July that he was selected in the WA State of Origin team that met Victoria at Subiaco, and was narrowly beaten in a superb contest.

Spiro Kourkoumelis

Career : 1981 – 1986
Debut : Round 17, 1981 vs Melbourne, aged 17 years, 359 days
Carlton Player No. 897
Games : 62
Goals : 56
Last Game : Round 6, 1986 vs Sydney, aged 22 years, 277 days
Guernsey Nos. 49 (1981) and 28 (1982-86)
Height : 180 cm (5 ft. 11 in.)
Weight : 89 kg (14 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : 31 July, 1963

Had he played in any other era in Carlton’s history, the man with one of the longest names in the game; Spiro Kourkoumelis, would surely have played more than 100 senior matches for the Blues. Spiro was unlucky in that he emerged at Princes Park during Carlton’s golden decade of 1979 to 1987, when a star-studded playing list took the Old Dark Navy Blues to five Grand Final appearances and four Premierships. However, that success also restricted the opportunities for a group of very capable players like Kourkourmelis, who didn’t always get the opportunities his talent deserved.

After being recruited from local club Princes Hill in 1979, Kourkoumelis was part of Carlton’s Under 19 flag side later that same year. Still just 16 years old, he represented Victoria in the elite Teal Cup interstate competition in 1980, and by 1981 was knocking on the door of senior selection at Carlton after a series of eye-catching matches with the Reserves. Meanwhile, his younger brother Peter had joined him at Princes Park, and was in the midst of his handful of games with the Under 19’s. The problem for Spiro however, was that he was competing for a midfield-forward role in the Blues’ senior team against the likes of Barry Armstrong, Jim Buckley, David Glascott, Wayne Harmes, Ken Sheldon, Wayne Johnston, Greg Wells – and at least three or four others.

Kourkoumelis wasn’t a gazelle on the field, but his ball-gathering ability and disposal were first-rate. He was an ideal link-up player through the middle of the ground, and always a threat around the goals. Eventually, an injury to Wells provided the opportunity Spiro had been craving, and he was named to make his senior debut in the centre for Carlton against Melbourne at Princes Park in round 17, 1981 – six days before his 18th birthday. Wearing guernsey number 49, he got away to a dream start, too, by kicking a goal with his first kick, after receiving a gift handball from ‘Bomba’ Sheldon in front of the Heatley Stand. Carlton went on to destroy Melbourne by 73 points that day, on the way to the 1981 Premiership. However for Kourkoumelis, it was to be his one and only senior match for the season.

Warren McKenzie

Career: 1985-1990
Debut: Round 12, 1985 vs Footscray
930th Carlton Player
Games: 67
Goals: 43
Last game: Round 22, 1990 vs Fitzroy
Guernsey No. 45
Height: 190cm
Weight: 86kg
DOB: 31 July, 1964
Premiership Player: 1987

Warren McKenzie played 67 games from 1985 kicking 43 goals. McKenzie wore the number 45 guernsey for Carlton. He was recruited from Mooroolbark, this was in the the Carlton zone in the Eastern Suburbs.

McKenzie played in Carlton’s 1987 Grand Final victory over the Hawks. Prior to that victory, he and fellow Blue, Shane Robertson played in three straight losing Grand Finals for the Blues, they were 1984 and 1985 Reserve Grand Finals, and the 1986 Senior Grand Final.

In 1988, Warren McKenzie suffered a serious knee injury mid-season, that ruled him out of the remaining part of the season. It also took him a while to get going the follwoing year after this serious setback.

After 1990, McKenzie was transferred to the Swans where he played for a further 2 seasons. Carlton traded McKenzie for the No.2. pick in the National Draft so that they could secure James Cook.

After two years in Sydney, McKenzie packed his bags at the end of the 1992 season and headed back to Victoria. He later lined up for VFA Club Sandringham for the 1993 season.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player bios and pics.

Tickets for Round 20, 6/8 Carlton V Melbourne 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. Tickets will be sold on a first in best dressed basis. To book tickets please call Justine Wratten on her new contact number 0420-318266. 

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

Alan Mangels: 29th July

Career : 1974 – 1980
Debut : Round 15, 1974 vs Richmond, aged 17 years, 348 days
Carlton Player No. 847
Games : 88
Goals : 25
Last Game : Round 9, 1980 vs Essendon, aged 23 years, 300 days
Guernsey No. 10
Height : 179 cm ( 5 ft. 10 in.)
Weight : 80 kg (12 stone, 8 lbs.)
DOB : 29 July, 1956

Alan Mangels was a gifted footballer who seemed born to play for the Old Dark Navy Blues, although ultimately, his career didn’t do full justice to his ability. Prior to playing 88 games over seven seasons from 1974 to 1980, Mangels made history as the youngest player ever to sign with the Carlton Football Club when he was recruited at the tender age of 10 years and 314 days on June 9, 1967.

At that time, Mangels was in the midst of a close association with the Blues through his grandmother Margaret, who was the sister of Carlton’s legendary 1945 Premiership captain Bob Chitty. As well, Alan’s father; Alan senior, had represented the Blues at Under 19 level, and played in successive Premierships for the thirds in 1948 and 1949 – the latter as captain. Therefore, much of the Mangel’s family’s social life revolved around the club, and Alan was coached in the skills of the game by his father almost as soon as he could walk.

In 1967, Alan officially wore the colours of Carlton onto the field for the first time as captain of our inaugural Little League team. That same year, his family moved house from the northern suburb of Merlynston – in Carlton’s recruitment zone – to nearby Oak Park, in North Melbourne’s territory. So, to ensure that Alan played his future football at Carlton, the Blues took the extraordinary step of registering the promising youngster as an Under 19 player before he had even reached the age of eleven!

Mangels played his first game with the Under 19’s two years later, and soon dazzled some good judges with his ability. Thanks to his father’s diligence, Alan could drop-kick with accuracy and penetration off both feet, was strong in the air for his size, and had plenty of tenacity. The only drawback to his game was that he wasn’t naturally quick, but he read the game well and was a consistent ball-winner.

Ron Stone: 30th July

Career : 1965 – 1969
Debut : Round 11, 1965 vs St Kilda, aged 19 years, 338 days
Carlton Player No. 775
Games : 60
Goals : 13
Last Game : Round 20, 1969 vs Essendon, aged 24 years, 31 days
Guernsey No. 44
Height : 187 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 85 kg (13 stone, 5 lbs.)
DOB : July 30, 1945

As at 2011, only seven players have worn the number 44 guernsey in a senior match for the Blues. The first was Maurie Sankey in 1959, and the second was Ron Stone, a versatile all-rounder from Wangaratta who made his way up through the Under 19 and Reserves teams to make 60 appearances between 1965 and ’69.

Remembered for his awkward but effective kicking style, Stone played as a ruckman in Carlton’s Under 19 Premiership team in 1963, his first season at Princes Park after being recruited from Wangaratta Combined Churches. A year later he was impressing at Reserves level, and in round 11, 1965 he made his senior debut as 19th man for the Blues in a milestone match against St Kilda. That game was Carlton’s first foray to the Saints’ new home ground at Moorabbin, and it finished in melodramatic circumstances when an ex-Blue, Bruce McMaster-Smith, kicked the winning goal for the home side with only seconds left on the clock.

While Carlton headed toward a mid-table finish that year under the coaching of former Melbourne champion Ron Barassi, Stone was given opportunities in a variety of positions during the latter half of the season, including centre half-forward, ruck, and full-back. He proved capable in all of them, and his versatility was a real advantage to a team on the rise.

In round 11, 1966, Stone enjoyed one of the highlights of his career when he kicked the winning goal for Carlton against Collingwood at Victoria Park, and in 1967 the Baggers made the finals for the first time in five years. Stone was stationed in the back pocket to pick up the opposition’s resting ruckman in both of Carlton’s lacklustre efforts that September; a 40-point Semi Final loss to Richmond, and a 29-point defeat by Geelong in the Preliminary Final.

From then on however, Ron’s opportunities at senior level began to dry up. After 11 games during 1968, he was left out of the Blues squad when the finals rolled around again. Carlton was the outstanding team of the competition that year, and duly claimed the flag after a tight scrap with Essendon in a wind-effected Grand Final.

Stone added the last seven games of his career to his tally in 1969. Overlooked again for the finals, he was somewhat inevitably delisted at the end of the year after Carlton’s loss to Richmond in another torrid Grand Final. His last match in navy blue came in round 20, 1969 at Windy Hill, when Carlton staged a stirring comeback from 41 points down in the first quarter, to beat Essendon by 11. Alex Jesaulenko and Brent Crosswell led the revival by the Blues that afternoon, and kicked 11 goals between them.

Round 15, 1921

A St Kilda side weakened by the absence of several players on strike were put to the sword and resulted in Carlton’s first triple figure winning margin.

Vin Gardiner set a new Carlton record with 10 goals. It could have been many more as he also finished with 12 behinds.

Gardiner blooms as Carlton goalkicker
Carlton full-forward Vin Gardiner kicked a freakish ten goals 11 behinds in the Blues romp over strike-depleted St Kilda at Princes Park. This was the first double digit score by a Blue, beating ‘Silver’ Caine’s eight in 1907. Carlton beat the hapless Saints by 114 points. Younger brother of Jack Gardiner, Vin moved the opposite way to him, and crossed from Melbourne to Carlton in 1907, and played in the 1908 premiership. – 100 Years of Australian Rules Football.

Round 14, 1961

This wretched loss at the Western Oval didn’t just signal the conclusion of Carlton great Bruce Comben‘s career, it also saw the end of promising youngster Chris Pavlou‘s all too brief foray into the VFL.

In the middle of his best year of football, Pavlou wrenched his knee in an incident on the boundary line, and was forced into premature retirement at the age of only 22. For more on Pavlou and this game, click here.

Round 17, 1972

Carlton’s effort in crushing an enthusiastic Geelong at Kardinia Park came as expected. The obvious reason for the tremendous effort was the indifferent performance the Blues produced against Essendon last week. Big John Nicholls had plenty of ammunition to stir up the Carlton players and they did not let him down. In fact, Carlton’s players were so enthusiastic and desperate that a couple of them couldn’t tell the difference between the colours and fought amongst themselves. There is no doubt Carlton is packed with talent and when nearly half the team can each gain more than 20 kicks it means the Blues are not relying on any individual to fire them. With fellows like Alex Jesaulenko, Syd Jackson and Adrian Gallagher all pin-pointing the ball right to the player’s chest it makes it hard for the opposition to get its fair share of the ball. – Polly Farmer; The Australian.

Round 17, 1989

Stephen Kernahan produced another wonderful display up forward, with 17 kicks, 10 marks and four goals, as the Blues beat top five-placed Melbourne in one of the club’s best displays of the season. Kernahan got solid support in attack from Jon Dorotich who also booted four goals.

Carlton’s rugged, solidly built defender Steve Da Rui started his own wrecking machine against the opposition captains this round. Starting with Melbourne skipper, Greg Healy, Da Rui would crunch and stretcher over the next three weeks the opposing team’s captain. Whether it was by accident or design, only Da Rui could tell. But to be hit by him, you stayed hit, all these “hits” were legitimate hip and shoulders.

Greg Kennedy

Career : 1972 – 1975
Debut : Round 1, 1972 vs Fitzroy, aged 22 years, 247 days
Carlton Player No. 833
Games : 48
Goals : 143
Guernsey No. 16
Last Game : Semi Final, 1975 vs Richmond, aged 26 years, 46 days
Height : 187 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 76 kg (12 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : 28 July, 1949
Club Leading Goalkicker 1972

Greg Kennedy was a rangy, high-leaping full-forward from Eaglehawk (via Wycheproof), whose brilliant debut season showed why he was courted by Carlton for five years before he arrived. But like so many others, his career was blighted by injury, and his career at Princes Park was another example of unrealised potential.

Bendigo League powerhouse Eaglehawk has been fertile ground for Carlton over the years, with Ollie Grieve, Rod Ashman and Des English (as well as Kennedy) among the stars to have graduated from the Two Blues to the Navy Blues. In Kennedy’s case, he was first approached by Carlton in the late sixties, when the teenager’s regular bags of goals for Eaglehawk began making football headlines throughout the region.

A fast-leading, athletic forward with safe hands, he was equally adept at jumping over opponents for his marks, and his kicking for goal was often deadly. The Blues were determined to get him to Princes Park, and kept up the chase. Eventually, we got our man when Greg was added to a strong Carlton squad in 1972. Enjoying silver service ball delivery from the likes of Trevor Keogh, Barry Armstrong and Syd Jackson, he had a stellar year.

Andrew McKinnon

Career: 1989–1990
Debut: Round 1, 1989 vs Footscray
956th Carlton Player
Games: 15
Goals: 7
Last game: Round 22, 1990 vs Fitzroy
Guernsey No. 47 (No.60 in 1986)
Height: 175cm
Weight: 79kg
DOB: 28 July, 1968

Andy McKinnon came to Carlton from outer-eastern Olinda as a solidly built, promising rover-forward, and spent almost two seasons with the Blues’ Reserves team before gaining senior selection in 1989.

After showing promise in his first dozen games, he suffered a serious foot injury that prematurely ended his career in just his second year.

McKinnon was a Premiership Player at Reserves Level in 1990.

Greg Sharp

Playing Career: 1981 – 1983
Debut: Round 4, 1981 v Footscray
Carlton Player No. 892
Games: 11
Goals: 3
Last game: Round 11, 1983 v Essendon
Guernsey No. 29
Height: 192 cm
Weight: 88 kg
DOB: July 28, 1959

Greg Sharp was a solid, wingman and key defender in the early 1980’s.

Sharp was recruited from NSW side Western Suburbs in 1978, after he had played in their 1977 premiership and was runner-up for NSW Rookie of the Year in 1977. He was recommended to the Blues by former Carlton U/19’s and Reserves player Ian Harry who was Sharp’s coach whilst playing for Western Suburbs, ironically, both players would wear the No.29 guernsey at Carlton.

Sharp debuted in 1981, playing 9 games in our Premiership Year, but only managed 2 thereafter for the Blues. He also played in the losing 1981 Escort Cup Grand Final against Essendon, where Tim Watson’s leap over Doull is stuck in footy folklore.

Sharp was later transferred to St Kilda for the 1984 season where he played a further six games and kicked one goal. Sharp debuted in round 1 of the 1984 season at full-back for the Saints, later that season another debutant for the Saints who would take the full-back role for many years to come was a young Danny Frawley who would play 240 games for the Saints.

Trevor Keogh

Career: 1970-1981
Debut: Round 4, 1970 vs North Melbourne
819th Carlton Player
Games: 208
Goals: 191
Last game: Round 15, 1981 v St Kilda
Guernsey No. 8
Height 175cm
Weight 71kg
DOB: 26/7/1949
Premiership Player: 1972, 1979
Best and Fairest: 1976, 1978
Victorian Representative: 1976, 1978
Team of the Century

Trevor John Michael Keogh was originally from the Mallee town of Wommerlang. Later the Keogh clan, including his five brothers, moved to Bendigo, it was from here that he was recruited by the Blues from Sandhurst in the strong Bendigo League, where he played 58 games and in 1968 won the club’s best and fairest. Keogh’s senior coach at Sandhurst was Nildo Munari, a cousin of Carlton rover Dennis Munari. The irony here, is that when Munari left the Blues to play in Tasmania, Keogh took over his number eight guernsey.

Keogh played his first senior game in 1970 wearing the guernsey number 45 and later cemented his position in the senior team in 1972 as a fast evasive onballer who was able to find space. A clever player, Keogh was not a penetrating kick, but rarely wasted a possession able to pin point players and put the the team to a better advantage with smart disposal.

Keogh was a fine big game player. He was instrumental in kick-starting the Blues in the 1972 Grand Final kicking the first goal and booting 3 on the day whilst providing drive out of the middle.

Generally a fair player, Keogh was only reported once in the 1979 Grand Final for hitting Russell Ohlsen. Many astute judges agree that this was the turning point in the game as the pies were 28 points up at the time and Ohlsen was BOG.

Keogh scored nearly a goal a game and was more than handy up forward. He is without doubt one of the most underated players to wear the navy blue. He played at a time of great success yet with all the stars at Princes Park still managed two best and fairests.

Jim Plunkett

Career: 2001-2003
Debut: Round 5, 2001 vs St Kilda
1044th Carlton Player
Games: 37 (Carlton)
Goals: 14
Last Game: Round 21, 2003 vs Hawthorn
Guernsey No. 40
Height: 179cm
Weight: 79kg
DOB: 26 July, 1978

Jimmy Plunkett was a small right-footed inside midfielder with the ability to find the ball. Wearing the #40, Plunkett would come to Carlton through the Rookie Draft, after being delisted by the Bulldogs after 10 games through 1999 and 2000.

Plunkett, a red-head, would play 15 games in 2001 including a magnificent 34 possession game against the Crows in the finals. With 22 kicks and 12 handballs, Plunkett – or simply “Jimmy” or “JP” as he was known, was dynamic as the Blues crunched the Crows with Whitnall and Lappin also starring. Although we lost to the Tigers in the following week, Plunkett’s performance was eye-catching and we thought we had stolen a centreman through the Rookie List.

Plunkett played 18 games in 2002, with a number of high possession games (up to 24 on 3 occasions), although he had a few low ones also.

Plunkett did not have the size or pace of your standard AFL player, he earned the ball through burrowing in and out of packs. Good with his hands, Plunkett also had a limited kicking distance.

Thanks to the Blueseum for the player bios and pics.

Need something to fire you up today? Watch this video we have produced about the 1981 premiership. Should get the hairs on the back of your neck standing up.

Don’t forget our 1981 Premiership Luncheon coming up on the 25th of August where we can all relive the ‘Glory Days’.

TO SECURE YOUR SEAT TO THIS SPECIAL EVENT DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM NOW!

David “Swan” Mc Kay has kindly provided a picture from his private collection which shows an earlier reunion of the 1981 premiership team. This picture was taken at David Parkin’s residence five years after the 1981 flag. Many familiar faces are there, quite a few still playing for the Blues in that year. Can you spot the extras in the photo? Both players and non-players? Leave your answers in the comment section below this article.

You will see this team on the 25th of August as well when the 1981 premiership team gather with the Carlton faithful to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their magnificent victory over the magpies.

TO SECURE YOUR SEAT TO THIS SPECIAL EVENT DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM NOW!

Today marks the 90th anniversary of a remarkable individual record for the Carlton Football Club. On this day in 1921 against St Kilda, Carlton centre half forward Horrie Clover kicked 13 goals in what is still to this day the single best individual goalkicking acheivement from a Carlton player in the history of the club.

The fact that it happened in 1921, a time when goals were much more scarce than today makes it even more incredible.

Horrie Clover was a champion of our club who played 147 game and kicked an amazing 397 goals mainly as a centre half forward. Sadly he never tasted premiership success playing in our team from 1920 to 1931.

This from the Blueseum:

From Maryborough in central Victoria, Horrie enlisted in the 1st AIF in September 1915. After basic training, he embarked for France with reinforcements for the 7th Battalion in January of 1916. Soon pitched into the horrors of trench warfare, he fought and survived until September of that year, when he was transferred to a machine gun company and promoted to the rank of Corporal.

On Christmas day, 1916, Horrie was struck down with acute appendicitis. He was evacuated to a field hospital for emergency surgery, where the doctors discovered that his appendix was gangrenous and that his life was in danger. He was immediately transferred to London for specialist treatment, and months of recuperation. Pronounced unfit for further front-line service, he was repatriated back to Australia in August 1917, and honourably discharged in May of the following year – six months before the Armistice.

Having recovered, and keen to have a crack at senior football, Clover trained with Richmond and Melbourne before Carlton gave him an opportunity at VFL level. And how he delivered! In his first match in 1920 – ironically, against Richmond – he kicked four goals from centre half-forward, and hit the post three times! By the end of his first season at Princes Park, Clover was one of Carlton’s drawcards. Former Australian Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies was just one of the many Carlton fans who were captivated; “he was the most artistic of high marks, unforgettable at half-forward,” said Menzies.

Horrie could kick a football, too. A balanced, deceptively quick mover, he was a glorious running drop-kick for goal. Playing against Richmond again at Princes Park in July, 1921, he let fly with a monster kick that was later measured at 86.26 metres – that’s 94 yards, 2 feet in imperial terms! And there are numerous other instances where he roosted the ball more than 70 metres. In round 12 of 1921, he slotted 13 goals in a game against St Kilda; a club record which still stands today.

To gain further insight into the man read the wonderful article ‘A Letter From Horrie’ which outlines a heartfelt letter Horrie wrote to a fan in a time of pain.

http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=105

An extract:

Prior to our trip to Sydney I was not very hopeful of our team winning the Premiership simply because I did not think that our team was good enough, but later in the season I was of the opinion that our team was on the improve whilst others were losing form and thinking this years premiership might be easily won. I was very hopeful of our team succeeding, although I always had my doubts regarding a few positions in our side when the pinch came in the second round. 

Personally I played the last three games under great disabilities, but I struggled on, in the hope of recovering from my injuries whilst I continue to play.

At Hawthorn I had a nerve in the hip shattered and this prevented me training to any great extent, in act, I couldn’t run on training afternoons. I couldn’t sleep at night and certainly was not fit to play in any of our matches following our Hawthorn engagement.

I didn’t have a good nights rest for three weeks owing to the aching hip and leg similar to nemalgia and ‘the spot’ on my hip was so sore to the touch that I would hop if it was touched by a finger.

In each of the three matches I played with the hip trouble, I had it knocked and consequently it did not have a chance to mend up and in the semi final I received two hard knocks on that sore and sensitive spot before the game had been in progress five minutes and in the last quarter I fell very heavily on my ‘lame’ hip which caused me agonizing pain.

Horrie was a veteran of WWI, and served his country with distinction reaching the rank of Corporal. After fighting in the trenches in France, Horrie was struck down with acute appendicitis which became gangrenous and resulted in months in hospital and finally a discharge. Horrie was no stranger to pain.

In these circumstances you can imagine my feelings after the match. 

Carlton lost the semi-final to Richmond by just one goal. Amazingly, despite his injuries, Horrie managed to kick three goals in the game. If it were not for the injury he might have tasted that premiership success he so dearly wanted but sadly never experienced.

I was broken down physically and dejected and disappointed mentally, so much so that I couldn’t rest for days, my brain was in a whirl and my leg ached and ached.

My good wife brought me your letter on the Tuesday morning I think – which I read before rising from my bed. I think I read it two or three times. It comforted me.

Numerous eulogistic references have been made in newspapers, letters and speeches to my ability as a footballer, many of them I think, undeserved, but I value your letter more than any of them, and I will keep and treasure it as my best and most appreciative football “souvenir”.

It is enticing to speculate that the letter Horrie refers to is still a Clover family keepsake. Perhaps another mystery for the Blueseum to explore.

I have received hundreds of letters from good friends many of whom –like yourself – I have never met, and I sincerely appreciate them all and am delighted to know that my play and conduct on the field has appealed to so many football enthusiasts, but the circumstance connected with your letter together with the evident sincerity, hearty good will, and human understanding of the wise and also the many appreciative references to my ability and conduct elevate it to the highest point in my estimation.

I must apologise for wearying you so with these details but I trust that you will understand my feelings in the matter and be assured that your letter brought a ray of sunshine to a sad and disheartened footballer.

Thanking you again most sincerely.

I remain yours faithfully.

H.R. Clover.

This letter reveals an intelligent, modest and empathetic man who was obviously shattered at getting so close to the ultimate success and his body not allowing him to get there. It would be another 11 years before the Blues would once again taste the ultimate success. Not through any fault of fine men such as Horrie Clover.

This record has managed to stand proud for 90 years it may stand for many more. It is something that should be acknowledged and appreciated.

Ian Muller: 23rd July

Career: 1984-1985
Debut: Round 14, 1984 vs Richmond
920th Carlton Player
Games: 6 (Carlton), 27 (Overall)
Goals: Nil (2 goals overall)
Last game: Round 22, 1985 vs Collingwood
Guernsey No. 29
Height: 186cm
Weight: 81kg
DOB: 23 July, 1965

Wearing guernsey #29, Muller played 6 games for Carlton after debuting in Navy Blue in Season 1984. Muller was 186cm tall.

Muller would move on to St Kilda from 1987 to 1991, playing 21 games and kicking 2 goals to add to his tally. Originally from Maffra, Muller was recruited to the Blues from Scotch College.

Ian Muller was born in South Africa.

Rohan Burke: 24th July

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY!

Career: 1981-1986
Debut: Round 17, 1981 vs Melbourne
896th Carlton Player
Games: 18
Goals: 9
Last game: Round 11, 1986 v North Melbourne
Guernsey No. 19
Height: 183cm
Weight: 75kg
DOB: 24 July, 1961

Rohan Burke was recruited from Reservoir Lakeside in 1979 as a potential half-back. He was the son of former Carlton 87-gamer, Gerald Burke, who played with the club in the 1950s.

Wearing number 19, the 183cm defender played 18 games and kicked 9 goals for the Blues after debuting in 1981.

He was just looking to cement a spot as a tough in an under player in the mid-field when struck down by a knee injury he struggled for regular games after that. Burke was cleared to Richmond for the start of the 1987 season.

The excitement builds as there are are now just five weeks to go to our big event of 2011, the 1981 Premiership Reunion Luncheon. The 1981 Premiership team will be in attendance reliving all the magic moments of the day. Some of the best auction items we have ever had will be available on the day as well, this is not one to be missed.

To book your table or seat simply download and fill in our application form which can be DOWNLOADED BY CLICKING HERE.

We can confirm that DAVID PARKIN will be one of the keynote speakers. It will be fascinating to hear David’s recollections of that great day when the Blues defeated the Magpies on a sodden MCG.

Date: THURSDAY 25th August 2011
Time: 12:00pm
Dress: Lounge Suit
Venue: Victory Room at Etihad Stadium
Cost: $175 (all inclusive)
RSVP By: 29th July 2011

Robert Walls

Career : 1967 – 1978
Debut : Round 2, 1967 vs Hawthorn, aged 16 years, 275 days
Carlton Player No. 795
Games: 218 (Overall 259)
Goals: 367 (Overall 444)
Last Game : Round 5, 1978 vs South Melbourne, aged 27 years, 282 days
Guernsey No. 42
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 89 kg
DOB: 21 July, 1950
Premiership Player: 1968, 1970, 1972
Judged Best on Ground: 1972 Grand Final
Captain: 1977, 1978
Leading Goalkicker: 1975, 1976
Carlton Hall of Fame
Team of the Century
AFL Hall of Fame
Carlton Legend

He was just sixteen years old when he played his first game for Carlton, and goaled with his first kick. Eleven seasons later, Robert Walls moved on from Princes Park as one of the greats of a fabulous era. A three-time Premiership player in 218 games, he notched 367 career goals, was vice-captain for five seasons, and captain for two. Late in his career, he crossed to Fitzroy to lead them into finals contention, before returning to Princes Park and further glory when he coached the Blues to the 1987 Premiership.

‘Wallsie’ was invited to Carlton in the summer of 1966, soon after being spotted playing good football for Coburg Amateurs. Born in Dunolly, but at that time he was still a student at Coburg High School; a tall, gangly teenager with long arms and a passion for excellence in everything he did – especially football. His arrival at Carlton came only months after new captain-coach Ron Barassi, and the pair found common ground immediately. Barassi commented later that Walls was a coach’s dream, probably because from day one, he embraced the Barassi philosophy that says ‘the harder you work, the luckier you get.’

Wearing guernsey 42, Walls took to the field his first senior game in 1967 against Fitzroy at Princes Park. Early in that match he marked strongly at full-forward, then calmly slotted the goal with his first kick. By the end of that debut season however, he was playing in defence, mainly because his immature frame was being too easily knocked out of marking contests. In a quality team, with the support of star defenders like Wes Lofts, John Goold and Ian Collins, Rob learned quickly. Weighing in at around 190 cm and 85 kg, he claimed a regular place in a back pocket, where his strong marking, judgement and pace off the mark proved real assets. Later, he would grow to 193 cm and fill out to 89 kg.

Topping off an exemplary first season, Walls was a solid performer in both of Carlton’s finals matches that year. The Blues wound up the 1967 home and away rounds second on the ladder, behind Richmond. It was Carlton’s first finals campaign for five years, and inexperience was a factor in their quick exit after successive losses to the Tigers and Geelong. Twelve months later however, when the ’68 finals began with Carlton again sitting second – this time behind Essendon – the Blues were a physically stronger, better team. Before 116,828 spectators on a windswept MCG, Carlton went on to beat Essendon by 3 points in a dour, slogging Grand Final. Walls kept Essendon’s resting ruckmen under control all match, and accepted his first Premiership medal at just 18 years of age.

Tony Southcombe

Career: 1977
Debut: Round 1, 1977 vs Geelong
Carlton Player No. 862
Games: 13
Goals: 11
Guernsey No. 4
Last Game: Round 13, 1977 vs Fitzroy
Height: 188cm
Weight: 89kg
DOB: 21 July, 1950

Tony Southcombe was another product from the Carlton nursery being Golden Square within the Bendigo League. Southcombe won the Bendigo FL Best & Fairest in 1971, the Mickelson Medal. Wearing guernsey #4, Southcombe played 13 games for Carlton commencing in 1977 kicking 11 goals in his time in Navy Blue.

One of the rare footballers to play with spectacles, Southcombe never really settled into city life and went back to the country before the season’s end. He had played the first 13 games straight and had enough of the big smoke.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player bios and pictures.

The Blues face a huge test in front of a jam packed MCG against the reigning premiers today. This is not the only big test Carlton has faced on this date, including a recent clash with Collingwood where the Blues triumphed.

Round 16, 1977

Renato Serafini, in his debut for the Blues after crossing from Fitzroy, kicked a late goal to help the Blues win.

Carlton put another temporary stop to South’s hopes of making the Final Five when reserve Renato Serafini kicked a goal at the 22 minute mark and shepherded for Rod Ashman to do likewise minutes later. Prior to this, the Swans had grabbed the lead after trailing early in the game, which would rank with one of the worst of the season in the Lakeside Oval mud. The Blues late run and win gave them their sixth in a row against South. – Football Record.

Round 16, 1988

Steal of the Round
Carlton’s Stephen Silvagni is caught out of position as Geelong’s Michael Turner taps a short pass across to teammate Bruce Lindner. But somehow Silvagni, who is travelling in the same direction as the ball manages to intercept and clear for the Blues as a bewildered Lindner looks on……. – Inside Football.

Ray Byrne: 16th July

Career : 1973 – 1978
Debut : Round 2, 1973 vs North Melbourne, aged 19 years, 272 days
Carlton Player No. 837
Games : 81
Goals : 13
Guernsey No. 26
Last Game: Round 6, 1978 vs Hawthorn, aged 24 years, 294 days
Height : 181 cm (5 ft. 11 in.)
Weight : 79.5 kg (12 stone, 7 lbs.)
DOB : 16 July, 1953

Ray Byrne will be remembered as one of the most unfortunate players in the history of VFL/AFL football. A capable and courageous defender, he turned out for two clubs in four Grand Finals – only to be on the losing side in each one of them.

In 1972, Byrne was recruited by the Blues at the age of 19 from Golden Square, in Carlton’s rich Bendigo League zone. He was given guernsey number 26 and soon proved to be a popular clubman and a creative half-back. At 181 cm and 80 kg, he was equally at home on the last line of defence, where he played in Carlton’s 1973 Grand Final loss to Richmond. The Blues went down by five goals that day, but Byrne’s opponent; Noel Carter, was hardly sighted.

Although his endeavour rarely faltered, by 1978 Byrne’s opportunities were drying up – due mainly to the emergence of future stars like Peter McConville, Rod Austin and Wayne Harmes. That same year there was an upheaval at the club with coach Ian Stewart resigning because of poor health, and then Serge Silvagni and later Alex Jesaulenko taking turns as senior coach. It was around that time that the Blues offloaded Byrne’s good mate Robert Walls, to Fitzroy – so Byrne decided that he too wanted out.

As he put it, “I didn’t like the scene at the time, and up until the Wednesday before clearances closed they weren’t going to let me go. And then at the last minute, the Blues got a deal they wanted. They gave permission for me to go to Collingwood on the proviso that they got a form four”. (A form four was required for every player recruited to a VFL club). Byrne wasn’t keen to go to Collingwood – he actually wanted to join Melbourne – but at the last minute he was off to Victoria Park. Incidentally, the Blues recruited Robbert Klomp with the form four they received in exchange from the Magpies.

Peter Fitzpatrick: 17th July

Career : 1978 – 1980
Debut : Round 3, 1978 v Melbourne
874th Carlton Player
Games : 9
Goals : 4
Last game : Round 7, 1980 v Hawthorn
Guernsey No. 6
Height : 184cm
Weight : 87kg
DOB : 17 July 1959

No relation to Mike Fitzpatrick (although their careers at Carlton coincided) Peter Fitzpatrick joined the Blues from Golden Square in 1978. He showed glimpses of real ability in his nine senior games, but found the going tough when he was forced to compete for a place in the team against the likes of Jim Buckley, Wayne Harmes, Peter McConville and Barry Armstrong.

Later, Fitzpatrick bobbed up at St Kilda in 1980. He managed another four games for the Saints, then moved on to SANFL club Woodville for the 1981 season. In 1982 he move back to Victoria and played for VFA club Sandringham in which he would later captain in 1987 and 1988, he was also a member of their 1985 premiership team. In 1989, he transferred to arch-rival VFA club Port Melbourne after a falling out with Sandringham coach and ex Hawk Bob Keddie.

Andy Graham: 18th July

Career: 1983
Debut and only Game: Round 15, 1983 vs Melbourne
912th Carlton Player
Goals: Nil
Guernsey No. 46
Height: 180cm
Weight: 76kg
DOB: 18 July, 1963

Wearing guernsey #46 and listed at 180cm in height, Graham played a single game for Carlton in Season 1983 which was a loss to Melbourne at Princes Park. In this game, Graham shared his debut with Ricky Nixon. He was recruited from Coburg.

Darren Hulme: 19th July

Career: 1997-2004
Debut: Round 10, 1997 vs Port Adelaide
1018th Carlton Player
Games: 110
Goals: 56
Last Game: Round 9, 2004 vs Western Bulldogs
Guernsey No. 47 (1997), 27 (1998-2004)
Height: 175cm
Weight: 80kg
DOB: 19 July, 1977
AFL Rising Star Nominee: Round 10, 1998

Taken with Pick 8 in the 1997 Pre-Season Draft from Dandenong Stingrays U/18’s (originally from Frankston Bombers), Darren Hulme was a feisty 175 cm midfielder who played over 100 games with the Blues. “Pup”, who wore a tattoo on his left shoulder, became a regular with the Blues from late 1997 until 2003, other than some occasional soft tissue injuries and a serious knee injury in Round 5, 2002, which would keep him sidelined for the remainder of that season. He would return to being a regular in the side in 2003, playing 20 games (missing 2 due to injury). But after playing 7 of the first 9 games in 2004, he would miss the remainder of that season with a groin injury and then be delisted.

He would generally alternate on the ball with short stints in the forward line. He would earn an AFL Rising Star Nomination in 1998. One of Hulme’s most memorable games was Round 9, 2001, when he would inspire a Blues’ revival. He would take on two Roos players, yet was still able to beat them both to win the ball and force a turnover, which would result in an important goal that would change the course of the game. He would end up taking the 3 Brownlow votes that game and would record 10 for the year – the equal highest at the club.

Andy Lukas: 19th July

Career : 1970 – 1973
Debut : Round 7, 1970 vs South Melbourne, aged 19 years, 301 days
Carlton Player No. 820
Games : 34
Goals : 3
Last Game : Round 10, 1973 vs Footscray, aged 22 years, 325 days
Guernsey No. 7 and 49
Height : 178 cm (5 ft. 10 in.)
Weight : 71.3 kg (11 stone, 3 lbs.)
DOB : 19 July, 1950
Premiership Player: 1972

Wearing guernsey number 49, and later number 7, Lukas played 34 games for Carlton after first running out in Navy Blue in Season 1970. He kicked three career goals.

Andy was born on July 19, 1950 and was recruited from St Marks and then Fawkner. He worked his way through to senior selection from Carlton’s Under 19 squad. He was listed as 5′ 10″ (178cm) and 11.3 (71.3kg). He made his senior team debut on the bench as 20th man against South Melbourne at the Lake Oval, Albert Park in Round 7, 1970, when Carlton were defeated by 77 points.

Andy played two more senior games during 1970, eight in 1971 and twenty-two during 1972 – including the Premiership. However he managed only two senior games in 1973, including his last senior appearance in Round 10, 1973 at Waverley, when Carlton beat Footscray by 26 points. In all, 16 of his 34 Carlton senior games were played off the bench (including the 1972 Premiership, where he was 19th man).

Before the start of the 1971 season, Andy changed his name to Lukas from Lukimitis (Lukas was born in Australia of Latvian parents). The popular belief at the time was that the change was to help “Captain Blood” Jack Dyer in his commentary. He was one of the two Carlton players to change their names that year, the other being Gary Lawson-Smith who changed his name from Smith. This story is explored in detail here.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pics and bios.

There are just six weeks to go to our big event of 2011, the 1981 Premiership Reunion Luncheon.

To book your table or seat simply download and fill in our application form which can be DOWNLOADED BY CLICKING HERE.

We can confirm that DAVID PARKIN will be one of the keynote speakers. It will be fascinating to hear David’s recollections of that great day when the Blues defeated the Magpies on a sodden MCG.

Date: THURSDAY 25th August 2011
Time: 12:00pm
Dress: Lounge Suit
Venue: Victory Room at Etihad Stadium
Cost: $175 (all inclusive)
RSVP By: 29th July 2011