Blog

The Executive and members of the SOC wish our hard working executive officer, Bob Lowrie, a speedy recovery from his  bout of pancreatitis which has him currently in the Epworth Hospital.  Bob will be out of action until early June, so any inquiries should be made to Justine Wratten through her normal email address info@austpromotional.com.au

25th May: Alex and Hal Hanton

89 YEARS OF AGE!

Alex and Harold Hanton lock hands as they pose for the camera . . . and there’s a glorious symbolism in it all.

For the identical twins – whose lives have been shaped by the bleak ordeals of The Great Depression, the horrors of world conflict, and the relative diversions of post-war Princes Park – togetherness has undoubtedly proved the survival mechanism.

The recent years have not been easy. The brothers, now closing in on their 89th birthday – are both blind, and Harold is confined to a wheelchair thesedays – not that those physical impositions have tinkered with their recollections.

Harold Roy and Alexander George Hanton were born in Frankston on May 25, 1922. Harold preceded Alex by 20 minutes.

Two years later the Hanton family relocated to inner city West Brunswick, and in time the twins chased the leather for St David’s in the local Church football competition.

In August 1942, Alex and Harold enlisted for wartime duties in Western Australia, as signalmen for the Army’s B Australian Corps. Service would take them to Townsville, the tip of Cape York, back to Melbourne, and finally to Bougainville, before their discharge in 1946.

By then they’d participated in many a wartime scratch match with League luminaries – the likes of Les Foote, “Tarzan” Glass, Denis Cordner and the great Laurie Nash.

Alex relates a terrific tale of the time he and Nash crossed paths on a football field, in Townsville of all places, when brotherly love intervened. To read the full article click here.

27th May: Ted Hopkins

Playing Career : 1968 – 1971
Debut : Round 8, 1968 vs Fitzroy, aged 19 years, 14 days
Carlton Player No. 805
Games : 29
Goals : 10
Last Game : Round 1, 1971 vs North Melbourne, aged 21 years, 310 days
Guernsey No. 7
Height : 177 cm (5 ft. 9½ in.)
Weight : 68 kg (10 stone, 9 lbs.)
DOB : May 27, 1949
Premiership Player 1970

“Get ready, Teddy – you’re on”. These five words, barked by Blues’ coach Ron Barassi to 19th man Ted Hopkins at half-time in the 1970 VFL Grand Final, were the catalyst for one of Carlton’s greatest victories.

Our opponent Collingwood went into that epic final as hot favourites. The Magpies had beaten the Blues comfortably twice in the home and away rounds, and again a fortnight previously in the second semi-final. In the Grand Final they dominated the first half to lead by 44 points at the long break. In the Magpie rooms during the long break, the champagne was already on ice, and the back-slapping had begun. Collingwood and its throngs of delirious supporters believed that at last, they had another Premiership in the bag.

In the Carlton rooms, Barassi was praying for a miracle, and decided to gamble on a bold tactic he had been nurturing for years. He told his team to abandon the defensive side of their game, and to attack at every opportunity – from everywhere on the ground – using handball and hard-running teamwork to unsettle their opponents. He moved star ruckman John Nicholls to full-forward, Alex Jesaulenko to centre half-forward, and brought blonde rover Ted Hopkins onto the field in a forward pocket. For more read…… here.

27th May: Peter Hall

Career : 1971 – 1974
Debut : Round 12, 1971 vs North Melbourne, aged 19 years 22 days
Carlton Player No. 829
Games : 36
Goals : 13
Last Game : Round 20, 1974 vs Fitzroy, aged 22 years, 81 days
Guernsey No. 31
Height : 182 cm (5 ft. 11 in.)
Weight : 80 kg (12 stone, 8 lbs.)
DOB : May 27, 1952

Peter Hall was a classy utility who won Castlemaine Football Club’s Under 19 Best and Fairest award in 1969. That fine season by the 17 year-old impressed Carlton’s scouts, including our Chairman of Selectors Jack Wrout, who was very keen to get the youngster into the Old Dark Navy Blue.

Hall told Wrout that his main aim in life was to obtain a University degree or two, but while he was studying, he would be happy to pull on his boots for Carlton. He enrolled in an Arts Degree course at Monash University in 1971, and played his first match for the Blues in June of that year against North Melbourne at Princes Park. Carlton dominated all day to thrash the ‘Roos by 91 points, with rugged full-forward Ricky McLean kicking seven goals.

While Hall was a stylish player with good pace and balance, he was more at home in the spaces of a half-forward flank than taking on the ruck-roving role he was expected to compete for. Carlton’s brilliant midfield division of that time boasted the names Jesaulenko, Gallagher, Keogh, Robertson, Quirk, Chandler and three or four others, so places in the side were hard earned……

In 1988 – on the back of his high profile and sporting success – he stood for election to Parliament as a National Party candidate and won his seat with a comfortable majority. Since then, he has risen to hold a number of senior positions with the Nationals – in particular, as Party Leader in the Legislative Council, holding the shadow portfolios of Education and Resources and Environment. On election to Government in November 2010, Peter was appointed  Minister for Higher Education and Skills and Minister responsible for the Teaching Profession. For more read …. here.

28th May: Matt Clape

Career : 1995 – 1998
Debut : Round 1, 1995 vs Collingwood, aged 25 years, 308 days
Carlton Player No. 1002
Games : 58
Goals : 48
Last Game : Round 10, 1998 vs Brisbane, aged 29 years, 1 day
Guernsey No. 6
Height : 187 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 86 kg (13 stone, 8 lbs.)
DOB : 28 May, 1969
Premiership Player 1995

There are lots of great stories in footy; some obvious – like Premierships, great careers, wins from behind – and then there are some that you have to think about a bit more, like when a player is discarded by one club, and goes on to be a star somewhere else. The Matt Clape story fits squarely into this latter category.

Originally from East Perth, Clape was a lively, mid-sized forward who played 29 matches for the West Coast Eagles between 1992 and 1994 without claiming a place in either of their two Premiership teams. Despite misgivings among the Eagles’ coaching staff, he was then delisted, and picked up by the Blues in the 1995 Pre-Season Draft, along with Glenn Manton from Essendon. Both players proved to be great acquisitions, and key players in the mighty 1995 Premiership win by Carlton over Geelong.

At first Clape was groomed as a defender by the Eagles, but couldn’t cement a regular place in their team that was rich in similar types. When he played only six matches in 1994 it seemed obvious that his time was up with the Eagles, although coach Mick Malthouse later admitted that after Matt was discarded, he hoped that the decision “wouldn’t turn around and bite us on the bum,” which indeed it did. For more read …. here.

30th May: Kris Massie

Career: 1998-2001
Debut: Round 8, 1998 vs West Coast
1026th Carlton Player
Games: 43 (Carlton) (131 Overall)
Goals: 12 (Carlton) (TBD Overall)
Last Game: Round 11, 2001 vs Richmond
Guernsey No. 3
Height: 188cm
Weight: 83kg
DOB: 30 May, 1980
AFL Rising Star Nominee: Round 20, 1998

Taken with Pick #7 in the 1997 National Draft, from the Dandenong Stingrays, Massie was a star Centre Half Back in school (Glen Waverley High School) and junior league football. Originally likened to Carlton legend Stephen Silvagni for his bow legs, long hair and occasional brilliant and desperate marking, Massie was expected to become a key defender for the next decade.

At 188cms, this was going to be difficult. Massie didn’t grow any more, and the Blues set about using him as a half back flanker and occasional midfield tagger. Some promising games and a Rising Star nomination on the one hand, a fair few games in the reserves on the other: Massie showed a bit but not enough to command a spot in the team. Injuries didn’t help either. For more read … here.

31st May: Justin Madden

Career : 1983 – 1996 (On the list in 1997)
Debut : Round 7, 1983 vs Sydney, aged 21 years, 341 days
Carlton Player No. 909
Games : 287
Goals : 170
Last Game : Semi Final, 1996 vs Brisbane, aged 35 years, 106 days
Guernsey No. 44
Height : 206 cm (6 ft. 9 in.)
Weight : 107 kg (16 stone, 10 lbs.)
DOB : 31 May, 1961
Premiership Player 1987, 1995
Best and Fairest 1985, 1991
All Australian 1987, 1995

For much of the 1980’s and 1990’s, Justin ‘Harry’ Madden was seen as the goofy giant in Carlton’s number 44 guernsey; a smiling, good-natured, loping giraffe of a footballer who never seemed to take the game – or his participation in it – very seriously at all. Laconic, and with a wry sense of humour that made him enormously popular with supporters and team-mates alike, ‘Harry’ always claimed that someone as awkward and uncoordinated as him was a blight on the game.

The real truth is that Madden was one of Carlton’s great ruckmen; a 206-centimetre beanpole with outstanding tap skills, strong hands and a reliable left foot when shooting for goal. In a marathon 18-year AFL career that began at Essendon and flourished at Carlton, Harry played 332 senior games and kicked 190 goals between 1980 and 1996. Included in that tally were four Grand Finals, highlighted by Carlton Premierships in 1987 and 1995. He was voted Best and Fairest for the Blues twice, All Australian twice, and in 1985 went within one vote of sharing the Brownlow Medal with Footscray’s Brad Hardie. For more read …. here.

31st May: Stephen Silvagni 

Career : 1985 – 2001
Debut : Round 7, 1985 v Sydney, aged 17 years, 346 days
Carlton Player No. 927
Games : 312
Goals : 202
Last Game : Semi Final, 2001 v Richmond, aged 34 years, 107 days
Guernsey No. 1
Height : 194 cm
Weight : 99 kg
DOB : 31 May, 1967
Premiership Player : 1987, 1995
Best and Fairest : 1990, 1996
All Australian : 1988, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999
VFL AFL Team of the Century: Full Back
Team of the Century: Full Back
Carlton Hall of Fame: 1996
VFL AFL Hall of Fame: 2005
Victorian State Player: 1988, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999
Mark of the Year: 1988

Track watchers at Carlton Football Club in the early 1980’s would have noticed a young Stephen Silvagni eagerly helping out at most training sessions. Whether it was retrieving footballs from over the fence, kicking end-to end with the players, or even helping to serve up the after-training meal, the skinny, dark-haired son of assistant coach and club selector Serge Silvagni spent much of his spare time at Princes Park.

It was a fabulous era for the Old Dark Navy Blues, with three Premierships in four years from 1979 to 1982. And it was a time of inspiration for the boy who would go on to forge his own magnificent career – one that would later see him recognised as one of the legends of the game. While Stephen’s formative years were spent in the close presence of some of Carlton’s greatest players (including his own father) Sergio and mum Rita deliberately kept Stephen’s football education low key. They encouraged their son to place his emphasis on his studies at Marcellin College, Bulleen while confining himself to school football. For more read …. here.

Today the Blues take on the Cats in what will be a big clash between two top four sides.

This is not the first time the Blues have played a game on the 20th of May. We will fire up our retrospectoscope to have a look into the past at some of our other games on this day.

1911 vs University

A very bad day for football and a particularly embarrassing one for Carlton.

The Students led Carlton through the first half before one of their players, Vic Trood, was felled. He was carried unconsious from the ground and grave fears were held for his health. Suspicion centred on two Carlton players Martin Gotz and Alex Barningham.  Gotz was charged with assault and found guilty, being fined 10 pounds. He was cleared after an appeal.

University threatened to boycott the return game in Round 13 unless certain Carlton players were left out of the Blues side. Carlton announced they would decide who was to represent the club without any input from outside and they would happily accept a forfeit.

A sick and sorry Trood was quoted a few days after the match as saying “I have no idea what struck me, but it could have been a cable tram”.
From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Round+4%2C+1911

1939 vs Hawthorn

Carltons’ shock loss to Hawthorn – their first ever win over the Blues after 14 years of trying, and 25 straight losses – was a costly one. The Blues were tipped out of the top four.

Prime Minister Robert Menzies, an avid Carlton supporter, visits the rooms of the opposition team for the second time this year – and Carlton lose again!!!! Hawthorn score a memorable win, their first ever against an inaccurate Carlton, the final scores; 13.8.(86) to 11.17.(83).

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Round+5%2C+1939

1972 vs St Kilda

The Blues celebrated Adrian Gallagher‘s 150th game in style, with this important win over rival flag contender St Kilda on their home turf at Moorabbin.  Gallagher became one of the youngest Blues to ever achieve this mark, as Carlton recovered from a tardy start to hit the front just prior to half-time, then controlled the second half to run out winners by 27 points.

After four emphatic victories in a row, the Blues now sat on top of the VFL ladder; two points clear of Essendon, Hawthorn and Richmond, with St Kilda fifth.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Round+8%2C+1972

2000 vs North Melbourne

The Blues would pull away from the Kangaroos in this Grand Final Replay in the second half to take the game by 5 goals.

But the headline result doesn’t tell the story of the day – Koutoufides.  Kouta was impossible to describe as he not only took Roo Legend Wayne Carey out of the game in the first half, but he went on to kick 5 goals and earn the ball 38 times (17 kicks / 21 handballs).    Throw in a leisurely 8 marks and this game was a testament to the power that Kouta was in this era.

The support staff, as always in 2000, were also good, with Brett Ratten getting 30 stats in his 200th game, Hickmott 23, and a great array of goalkickers as we pumped the Premiers at home.  As another bonus, Carlton would welcome a young Ryan Houlihan for his debut game.  Despite being a late draft pick, Houlihan would quickly become a regular in the team.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Round+11%2C+2000

Please enjoy this little video we have put together of Carlton teams over time. Thanks to the Blueseum for access to their picture galleries.

The Spirit of Carlton was thrilled to receive this picture of young Harry showing his support for the mighty Blues. Harry is the grandson of Tony Zoanetti, who played in the Carlton reserves from 1972 to 1974 (winning the reserves best first year player award in 1972). Tony is one of many active members of the Spirit of Carlton and a very proud grandfather to young Harry. Lets hope Tony, Harry and all Carlton supporters see the Blues put in a great performance against the Cats this friday night.

May 16th: Ian Aitken

Career: 1987-1992
Debut: Round 2, 1987 vs Collingwood
Carlton Player No. 942
Games: 61
Goals: 10
Last Game: Round 9, 1992 vs West Coast
Guernsey No. 22
Height: 190cm
Weight: 82kg
DOB: 16 May, 1967
Premiership Player: 1987

A premiership player and rookie of the year in his debut season for the club. From the Strathmore Football club like fellow former Blues Andrew Merrington and Glenn Manton. Aitken played prior seasons in the Under 19s where he won the 1985 Under 19s Best and Fairest, and the reserves before his debut and was a member of the 1986 and 1990 Reserve Premiership sides. A capable and physically well built defender, his best and most consistent season was in 1987 and his contribution to the premiership should not be understated. In his debut season he was widely acknowledged as being the VFL rookie of the year. Aitken was a strong mark and provided plenty of dash out of defence. In an exhibition game in 1987 in London, he was felled by a king hit from Alistair Clarkson of North Melbourne (and later Hawthorn coach) which broke his jaw. He never seemed like the same player after this incident…. for more read here.

May 17th: Denis Collins

Career : 1978 – 1979
Debut : Round 3, 1978 vs Melbourne, aged 24 years, 333 days
Carlton Player No. 873
Games : 30
Goals : 12
Last Game: Round 12, 1979 vs Geelong, aged 26 years, 36 days
Guernsey No. 1
Height : 178 cm (5 ft. 9 in.)
Weight : 85 kg (13 stone, 5 lbs.)
DOB : 17 May, 1953

Anyone who has seen the best-selling Channel 7 football highlights package “Sensational Seventies” will be familiar with Denis Collins as the Carlton player involved in a famous confrontation with St Kilda’s Robbie “Mad Dog” Muir, late in the last game of the 1978 season at Moorabbin.

Collins had joined Carlton earlier that same year from Footscray. A bushy-bearded winger/half forward whose key asset was his pace, he had played exactly 100 games and kicked 60 goals for the Bulldogs over six seasons, before looking for a fresh start elsewhere. At Princes Park, he was honoured with our number 1 guernsey for his debut match, which came against Melbourne at Princes Park in round three. Playing on a wing, he was solidly effective in a 13-point win, and held his position in the senior team right through the season.

The week after his clash with Robbie Muir, Collins lined up for only his second career final when Carlton met Geelong in the Elimination Final at the MCG. His experience, and his speed in the open spaces on the wing, proved valuable in helping the Blues to an emphatic win by 33 points. In the following week’s Semi Final clash with Collingwood, a tough, fiery encounter was indispersed with some brilliant passages of play from both sides. Collingwood jumped away to an early good lead and although the Blues fought back to within four points at the last break, the Pies weathered the storm and ran out 15-point winners….for more read here.

May 18th: Brett Backwell

Career : 1999 – 2001
Debut : Round 1, 1999 vs Essendon, aged 18 years, 310 days
Carlton Player No. 1029
Games : 18
Goals : 12
Last Game : Round 4, 2001 vs Adelaide, aged 20 years, 338 days
Guernsey Nos. 10 (1999) and 2 (2000-01)
Height : 171 cm (5 ft. 7 in.)
Weight : 68 kg (10 stone, 9 lbs.)
DOB : 18 May, 1980
AFL Rising Star Nominee: Round 3, 1999

In light of his achievements after he left Princes Park, it is not hard to conclude that perhaps Carlton was a little premature in delisting rover Brett Backwell in 2001. Recruited from West Brisbane via the Northern Eagles (he also played for West Brisbane & Western Taipans), ‘Mouse’ Backwell was the first of our recruits from the 1998 National Draft to play a senior game, despite being the last one drafted at pick 67. The earlier choices, Murray Vance and Brendan Fevola, played in the reserves for most of the season, while Ian Prendergast was hampered by injury and did not get his call-up until 2001.

Backwell’s football pedigree was impressive. His father, Owen Backwell, was a skilful, hard-running rover who represented Queensland 20 times in interstate matches, and played more than 300 games for Western Districts. He also played with Fitzroy for a season where he notched up 10 games. Twice a Grogan Medallist as Best and Fairest in the QAFL, he was the competition’s leading goal-kicker in 1977, and a driving force in Wests’ Premiership double in 1977-78……for more read here.

May 20th: Scott Freeborn

Career: 2000-2002 (Listed Player: 1998-2003)
Debut: Round 5, 2000 vs Essendon
1039th Carlton Player
Games: 48
Goals: 17
Last Game: Round 9, 2002 vs Adelaide
Guernsey No. 17
Height: 183cm
Weight: 87kg
DOB: 20 May,1978

Scott Freeborn was a blonde-haired left footer originally rookied by the Blues in 1998. Brother of Collingwood / Kangaroo player Glen, Scott played 48 games for the Blues between 2000 and 2002. He was recruited from Port Adelaide Magpies, but also played for Woodville-West Torrens.

Freeborn’s time on the rookie list was spent on the wing and half forward, in the #46 guernsey. His form was sufficient to be promoted by season 2000, when he made the seniors for the Round 5 clash against the Bombers. Over the season, he played as a defensive midfielder where his strength and endurance were most useful….. for more read here.

May 21st: Kevin Hall

Playing Career : 1963-1973
Debut: Round 12, 1963 Aged 19 years 66 days
756th Carlton Player
Games : 169
Goals : 51
Last Game: Grand Final, 1973 Aged 29 years 130 days
Guernsey No. 3
Height : 188 cm (6′ 2″)
Weight : 89 kg (14.00)
DOB : May 21, 1944
Premiership Player 1968, 1970, 1972
Carlton Hall of Fame (1999)

Kevin “Racehorse” Hall was a solid, reliable, often inspirational member of three Premiership teams for the Blues, and later, a valuable and long-serving committee and board member.

He was a somewhat reluctant recruit when he arrived at Princes Park in the summer of 1962, because until then he had wanted to play for Footscray. Although he was a Carlton local (from West Preston YCW) the Bulldogs chased hard after the strapping 19 year-old, 191 cm, 83 kg centre half-forward and the Blues were lucky to hold him.

His form in the 1963 pre-season practice matches was impressive, so Carlton assigned him guernsey number 3 and he made his senior debut that year as a forward. Later he was tried in defence, and found his niche on a half-back flank. Tall, very quick for his size and a strong mark, he proved to be a wonderful big occasion player. By 1968 the stands and the fences at Princes Park were echoing to the roar of “Go, Racehorse!” as Kevin went for one of his regular downfield dashes. In September of that year, Hall was a one of the unsung heroes in the Blues’ fighting three point Grand Final victory over Essendon – a low-scoring, dour struggle in which the Bomber half-forward line had little influence…. for more read here.

May 23rd: Rod Waddell

Career : 1981 – 1982
Debut : Round 18, 1981 vs Geelong, aged 23 years, 70 days
Carlton Player No. 898
Games : 5
Goals : 2
Last Game : Round 8, 1982 vs Footscray, aged 24 years, 357 days
Guernsey No. 10
Height : 178 cm (5 ft. 10 in.)
Weight : 76 kg (12 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB: 23 May, 1957

Rodney Steven Waddell was a talented, pacey, part-aboriginal footballer who forced his way into one of the strongest Carlton teams ever assembled when he made his debut for the Blues on the eve of the 1981 finals. Although he was a reluctant recruit at first – having already played Reserves football at Collingwood – Carlton claimed him under the VFL zoning rules in force at the time, and Rod eventually played five matches while the Navy Blues won back to back flags in 1981-82.

Waddell began his senior football career with Southern Districts in NSW, but it was his slashing performance as a ruck-rover for Lalor in the 1980 Diamond Valley Football League Grand Final, against Reservoir-Lakeside, that made VFL scouts take notice. Collingwood and Carlton soon became involved in a tug of war over his services, and the Magpies seemed to have come out on top when Waddell turned out for two Reserves games with them early in 1981. Carlton however, was convinced that the 23 year-old was residentially tied to us, and a VFL investigation quickly agreed. Collingwood were fined $500 for flaunting the zoning rules, and stripped of the four competition points they had earned with Waddell in their team. Rod was then welcomed to Princes Park, and presented with our number 10 guernsey….for more read here.

Tickets for Round 9 20/5 Carlton V Geelong match at Etihad Stadium, are being sold early and will be on sale as of now. The cost is $50.00  per ticket which 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 call Justine on 0438271948,  between the hours of 9am-5pm.

 

May 9th: Mick Gallagher

Career: 1987-1989
Debut: Round 7, 1987 vs Geelong
945th Carlton Player
Games: 16
Goals: 17
Last Game: Round 16, 1989 vs Footscray
Guernsey No. 29
Height: 196cm
Weight: 86kg
DOB: 9 May, 1966

Michael Gallagher, recruited from Bendigo club Golden Square, played 16 games for Carlton commencing in Season 1987, kicking 17 goals. Standing at 196cm, Gallagher wore the #29 guernsey and was a mobile goal-kicking forward come ruckman.

He debuted on his 21st birthday just a day after Peter Motley‘s career ending car crash and played his last senior game in the draw against Footscray in 1989. Gallagher kicked three goals on debut, but tragically in his debut season, he was curtailed by a serious knee injury that arguably cost him a place in that years’ premiership team…. for more read this.

May 10th: Scott Howell

Career : 1980 – 1985
Debut : Semi Final, 1980 vs Collingwood, aged 22 years, 126 days
Carlton Player No. 866
Games : 39
Goals : 12
Last Game: Round 6, 1985 vs Essendon, aged 26 years, 359 days
Guernsey Nos. 40 (1980-82) & 12 (1983-85)
Height : 193 cm (6 ft. 4 in.)
Weight : 88 kg (13 stone, 12 lbs.)
DOB: May 10, 1958
Premiership Player: 1981

The only third-generation Premiership player in VFL/AFL history, Scott Howell spent nine seasons at Princes Park, beginning with the Under 19 team in 1976. Like his champion father Jack ‘Chooka’ Howell, Scott was a loyal servant of the Blues, and he made the most of his ability with a memorable game in the 1981 Grand Final.

‘Chooka’ Howell played 137 times for Carlton from 1942 to 1954, including the desperately-close ’47 Premiership victory over Essendon. Chooka’s father, Jack senior, had been widely regarded as Best on Ground when South Melbourne beat Collingwood for the 1918 flag. So Scott’s triumphant victory – over the same opponent as his grandfather’s team had vanquished – completed the Howell’s unique achievement of three Premierships in successive generations….for more read here.

May 12th: Adrian Gallagher

Career : 1964-1972
Debut: Round 6, 1964 Aged 18 years 11 days
762nd Carlton Player
Games : 165
Goals : 236
Last Game: Grand Final, 1972 Aged 26 years 148 days
Guernsey No : 10
Height : 179cm (5’10½”)
Weight : 72kg (11.5)
DOB : May 12, 1946
Premiership Player: 1968, 1970, 1972
Best and Fairest: 1970
Leading Goalkicker: 1966
Carlton Hall of Fame (1992)
Team of the Century

Carlton’s history is lavishly embroidered with the deeds of its little blokes; the rovers, the wingmen; the forward and back pocket players who have brought glory to themselves and this great club for more than 140 years.

So whenever the question is asked, ‘who was the best of all Carlton’s small men?’ a lively debate is assured. One thing is certain however; the name of Adrian ‘Gags’ Gallagher will feature prominently in any discussion. Over eight seasons, Gallagher was an integral part of the greatest first ruck of all. He developed an instinctive, almost telepathic combination with champion ruckman John Nicholls and ruck-rover Serge Silvagni in an era when this trio were the platform for two Carlton Premierships.

Gags was recruited by Carlton in 1960 from Yarram in Gippsland, in his time at the Blues he played in the U/15’s, U/17’s and then to the U/19’s. In 1963 he was Carlton’s best player in their U/19’s premiership, won the club’s best and fairest award and finished third in the competition’s best player award, the Morrish Medal. By that time Nicholls and Silvagni had been team-mates for three seasons, and in the 179 cm, 73 kg red-headed youngster, the two emerging stars found their perfect foil. Gallagher was not particularly quick across the ground – he didn’t need to be. He was a terrific reader of the play and a great crumber off the packs. His disposal skills – by hand or foot – were excellent, and he was a tough, durable competitor…..for more read here.

May 13th: Vin Catoggio

Career : 1973-1976, 1978-1980
Debut : Round 7, 1973 vs Collingwood, aged 19 years, 6 days
Carlton Player No. 839
Games : 71
Goals : 97
Last game : Qualifying Final, 1980 vs Richmond, aged 26 years, 116 days
Guernsey No. 4
Height : 178 cm (5 ft. 10 in.)
Weight : 77 kg (12 stone, 3 lbs.)
DOB : 13 May, 1954

Vincenzo “the Cat” Catoggio was a pacy, skilful, lightly-framed rover from Princes Hill. Also later called “Spinner” for his elusiveness, he won the Morrish Medal as Best & Fairest in the VFL Under 19 competition while playing for Carlton in 1972, then followed up by winning the Gardiner Medal for the Reserves competition in 1973. During that same year, he made his debut off the reserves bench for the senior team in Carlton’s big win over Collingwood in round 7. After just one more appearance (again, as a reserve) in round 8, the 19 year-old played out the rest of the year in the lower grade – until he was a shock selection in the Blues’starting line-up against Richmond in the 1973 Grand Final.

Carlton was defending their title hard-won in a boilover the previous season against the Tigers, who were hell-bent on revenge. In typical fashion they targeted a number of key Carlton stars that day and set about knocking them out of the game. By half-time, Blues captain-coach John Nicholls, along with key defenders Geoff Southby and Kevin Hall were all concussed. Several others, including Catoggio, were still on their feet, but hurt. Richmond dominated the second half to win by 30 points, and Vinny did not see out the game….. for more read here.

May 14th: Robbert Klomp

Career : 1979-1983
Debut : Round 3, 1979 vs Essendon
Carlton Player No. 878
Games : 84
Goals : 17
Last game : Round 11, 1983 vs Essendon
Guernsey No. 22
Height : 183cm
Weight : 89kg
DOB : 14 May, 1955
Premiership Player: 1979 & 1982

Mention the name Robbert Klomp to any keen Carlton supporter over the age of forty, and you will probably get an answer something like; “oh yes – the bloke that won the television.” More on this fabled subject later.

First, the player himself. Robbert “Clippity” Klomp arrived at Princes Park in the summer of 1979 from SA club Sturt. At 23 years of age, 183 cm and 89 kg, he was rated among the best defenders in the country, having played SANFL football for four years and represented his state. After a short court case Robbert along with fellow Carlton players Vin Catoggio and Geoff Ironmonger, both from Subiaco were cleared to Carlton just prior to the opening game of the 1979 season against Essendon at VFL Park Waverley and in the number 22 guernsey, he slotted straight into a powerful Carlton lineup and soon made one half-back flank his own. Along with fellow debutants Peter Francis, Wayne Johnston and Alex Marcou, Robbert played his first League game in Carlton’s first game of 1979 against Essendon and by the end of the season after playing in all 24 games had won Carlton’s Best First Year Player Award….for more read here.

May 15th: Adrian Deluca

Career: 2004-2006
Debut: Round 1, 2004 vs Fremantle
1069th Carlton Player
Games: 46
Goals: 22
Last Game: Round 22, 2006 vs. Sydney
Height: 202cm
Weight: 99kg
Guernsey No. 26
DOB: 15 May, 1982

Deluca was drafted at Pick 72 in the 2003 National Draft. Wearing the #26, Deluca was picked up as a ruckman from the VFL from Port Melbourne but was played more as a forward. He played TAC Cup at the Oakleigh Chargers U/18’s, and before that with the Panthers.

He started very well in 2004, playing all 22 games. In 2005, stress fractures reduced his input to 11 games. His possessions count dropped marginally from 8.1 to 7.6 per game despite playing more as an on-baller. He kicked 6.3 in 2005 after kicking 8.6 in 2004.

Deluca would finally enjoy an injury free year in 2006 but would have to compete with a number of other tall forwards and ruckmen at the Club and at times was squeezed out of the team. He would play 11 games in 2006, taking him to 46 games over his 3 years. Deluca played in Rounds 1-5, 7-8, 12-15 and 21-22 in a variety of roles, including a half forward flanker early in the season, forward pocket in the middle and at all times an occasional ruckman where the Blues search for back-up for Barnaby French continued. Kicking 8 goals from those 11 games, Deluca played predominantly forward but – for the exception of 1 quarter in Round 12, 2006 where he would break open the packs and kick 3 goals against the Roos – would not be able to take the games by the scruff of the neck. Deluca adopted the use of gloves in 2006, in an effort to improve his marking, which appeared to work….for more read here.

Event cancelled.

3rd April: Peter Green

Career: 1994
Debut and only Game: Round 10, 1994 vs Footscray
998th Carlton Player
Goals: Nil
Guernsey No. 37
Height: 186cm
Weight: 86kg
DOB: 3 May, 1974

Peter Green was recruited from Sydney who recruited him from Barellan NSW, which is east of Griffith in the Riverina. Green was a mid-sized defensive utility who played the solitary game with Carlton.

The game in question was the Round 10 game versus the Bulldogs at Princes Park, 1994 that Carlton won by 12 points. Green was brought on to the field in the second quarter, and missed a tackle (from memory), and was taken off after only a few minutes. After some strong performances in the seconds, Green was only afforded a short ‘time in the sun’ at senior level…. for more read here.

5th April: David Teague

Carlton Career: 2004 – 2006 (also listed in 2007)
Debut: Round 1, 2004 vs Fremantle
Carlton Player No. 1076
Games: 50 (Carlton) (83 Overall)
Goals: 2
Last game: Round 22, 2006 vs Sydney
Guernsey No. 15
Height : 187cm
Weight : 90 kg
DOB: 5 May, 1981
Best and Fairest: 2004
AFLPA Robert Rose Award Most Courageous Player: 2004

David Teague, who wore the #15 for the Blues, was traded to Carlton by the Kangaroos at the end of the 2003 season. He had begun his AFL career at North Melbourne in 2001, and earned universal admiration for his courage. The Roos gave up Teague and forward Digby Morrell to ensure the return of Corey McKernan to Arden St.

Teague was a key player in Carlton’s defence during our apparent resurgence in 2004. Playing all 22 games in the season, Teague had the ability to keep his man quiet, but also to zone off and be the third man up for the desperate goal saving punch or mark. He averaged 3.6 marks (plus a number of tackles) per game, and his watershed year culminated with his award for Best & Fairest in 2004. His outstanding courage was also recognised by the AFLPA with the Most Courageous Player Award…. for more read here.

6th April: Neil Chandler

Career: 1968 – 1974
Debut : Round 14, 1968 vs Essendon, aged 19 years, 75 days
Carlton Player No. 806
Games : 76
Goals : 22
Last Game : Round 7, 1974 vs Hawthorn, aged 25 years, 11 days
Guernsey Nos. 47 (1968-69) and 22 (1970-74)
Height : 185 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight: 83 kg (13 stone, 1 lb.)
DOB : 6 May, 1949
Premiership Player: 1968, 1970, 1972

Neil Chandler’s contribution to Carlton’s golden era from 1968 to 1982 – when the Blues contested eight Grand Finals and won six flags – deserves wider recognition. A versatile, dependable utility who spent his relatively short career at Princes Park in the shadow of champions, he was a more than handy member of three Premiership teams.

Neil came to Carlton from Welshpool in Gippsland in the summer of 1967. He was a promising ruck-rover with good skills and an outstanding attitude. Like his coach Ron Barassi – with whom Chandler quickly found rapport – he was very much a team-man who was prepared to play wherever he was required, whenever he was required.

He was given his first opportunity at senior level late in 1968. The steadily-improving Blues finished second on the ladder to Essendon that season, then beat the Bombers in the Second Semi-Final to march straight into the Grand Final. When Essendon in turn accounted for Geelong in the Preliminary Final, they set up a rematch with Carlton for the Premiership. On the Thursday before the decider, Chandler was named as one of two reserves, along with ex-Melbourne defender Peter McLean… for more read here.

6th April: Peter McLean

Career: 1966 – 1968
Debut : Round 3, 1966 vs Fitzroy, aged 25 years, 0 days
Carlton Player No. 782
Games : 48
Goals : 5
Last Game : Grand Final, 1968 vs Essendon, aged 27 years, 145 days
Guernsey No. 36
Height : 185 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 82.5 kg (13 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : May 6, 1941
Premiership Player 1968

Peter McLean came to Carlton from Melbourne in 1966 and gave sterling service to the Old Dark Navy Blues for the next decade. Fresh from a Premiership with the Demons in 1964, he joined his former captain Ron Barassi at Princes Park, and proved a handy pickup in his 47 games over three seasons. He was 20th man in Carlton’s 1968 Premiership win over Essendon, and later, a club Vice President and Chairman of Selectors.

McLean began his football career with amateur side Old Melburnians, but by 1964 was wearing guernsey number 36 for Melbourne under their legendary coach, Norm Smith. The Demons met Collingwood in the Grand Final that year, and Peter was selected as 19th man.

The game itself was a classic, won in the dying minutes by Melbourne when their back pocket player ‘Froggy’ Crompton followed his rover downfield, swooped on a loose ball, and kicked his first goal of the season to snatch the flag for his team. Meanwhile, sitting on the pine next to Smith – where he had stayed for the entire match – McLean was wracked by contrasting emotions. “Ken Emselle (20th man) got a run,” he said, some years later, “but I just sat there. It’s a very unusual feeling. I’d done enough during the season to feel part of the win, but I didn’t really feel part of it – if you know what I mean.”….for more read here.

Competition Winner

Congratulations to Moshe Goldberg  one of our 1300 followers on Twitter who wins a Spirit of Carlton cap and shirt for retweeting our competition tweet during April.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the competition by spreading the word about the Spirit of Carlton. We want every Carlton supporter to know about us so we can all work together to help the Carlton Football Club.

We now have nearly 100 likes on our brand new Facebook fan page. The Carlton Football Club have over 67,000 likes on their fan page. We want to be in the thousands as well before the end of the year. One way we can do that is with your help. If you are on Facebook please visit:

http://www.facebook.com/SOCPP

and click on the like button, it is as easy as that. This means you will be automatically kept up to date with all the latest news from the Spirit of Carlton. Remember to tell all your Carlton supporting friends about us as well!

We now have over 1300 followers on twitter as well. If twitter is your preferred social network please follow us at:

https://twitter.com/SpiritofCarlton

Our website continues to gain more visitors every month. Last month saw more than 2000 loyal Blues supporters read this website. If you wish to put your business in front of this ever expanding group of passionate supporters apply to join the Spirit of Carlton business directory. An application form can be found here: http://spiritofcarlton.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Spirit-of-Carlton-Business-Directory-Subscription-2011.pdf

SOC in April

In April our first event was held in Perth and the locals were treated to appearances by Des English, Wayne Harmes, Alex Marcou, Jon Dorotich and many others in what was an enjoyable day for everyone involved. For a full report please follow this link: http://spiritofcarlton.com/blog/2011/04/10/spirit-of-carlton-in-perth/

There was also a home game function at the MCG for our game against Essendon and our first home game function at Etihad Stadium for the game against Adelaide. This function saw the SOC using the luxurious facilities of the Endeavour Room which are sure to prove popular amongst SOC member for the remainder of this season. For a report on this event please follow this link: http://spiritofcarlton.com/blog/2011/04/24/a-captain-cook-at-the-endeavour-room/

We would like to thank our home game sponsor for these events, Cameron Knight of Jim’s Roofing Services, Ph: 131 546.

SOC Events This Month

The Spirit of Carlton will be holding a home game function for the big round nine clash against the Cats on the 20th of May. This will again be utlising the magnificent facilities of the Endeavour Room at Etihad Stadium. Don’t forget to secure your tickets on the Monday before the game by ringin Justine between 9am and 5pm on 0438 271 948.

It is not too late to get a Spirit of Carlton Membership, the year has only just begun and the SOC has many events scheduled for the remainder of the season. It is just $70 to join and you can become a part of a team that continues to raise money to benefit the Carlton Football Club. Get your membership form here: http://spiritofcarlton.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Spirit-of-Carlton-Membership-Subscription-2011.pdf

We will be holding a function in Darwin on the 27th of May which will be attended by Syd Jackson, Ken Hunter, Val Perovic and Jimmy Buckley. Details can be found here: http://spiritofcarlton.com/blog/2011/04/14/soc-takes-on-the-top-end/

By Tony De Bolfo

Alex and Harold Hanton lock hands as they pose for the camera . . . and there’s a glorious symbolism in it all.

For the identical twins – whose lives have been shaped by the bleak ordeals of The Great Depression, the horrors of world conflict, and the relative diversions of post-war Princes Park – togetherness has undoubtedly proved the survival mechanism.

The recent years have not been easy. The brothers, now closing in on their 89th birthday – are both blind, and Harold is confined to a wheelchair thesedays – not that those physical impositions have tinkered with their recollections.

Harold Roy and Alexander George Hanton were born in Frankston on May 25, 1922. Harold preceded Alex by 20 minutes.

Two years later the Hanton family relocated to inner city West Brunswick, and in time the twins chased the leather for St David’s in the local Church football competition.

In August 1942, Alex and Harold enlisted for wartime duties in Western Australia, as signalmen for the Army’s B Australian Corps. Service would take them to Townsville, the tip of Cape York, back to Melbourne, and finally to Bougainville, before their discharge in 1946.

By then they’d participated in many a wartime scratch match with League luminaries – the likes of Les Foote, “Tarzan” Glass, Denis Cordner and the great Laurie Nash.

Alex relates a terrific tale of the time he and Nash crossed paths on a football field, in Townsville of all places, when brotherly love intervened.

“We always struck a couple of senior players in every game we played,” Alex recalls. “We were stationed at Townsville, and Laurie Nash was coming down from New Guinea on his way back to Melbourne, and he wanted a game of football. Anyway we were playing for the army, I’m not sure who we were playing, and Nash offered to play for either team. But our captain knocked him back, so he played against us.

“I started on him at centre half-back and kept him down to three goals . . . in the first ten minutes! I was admiring him instead of trying to stop him, so Harold took over and Nash didn’t kick another goal.”

At war’s end, and having safely returned to Melbourne from Bougainville, the Hantons tried their luck at Carlton. This was the Perc Bentley era, when men of stature like Bob Chitty, Bert Deacon and Ken Hands were the pin-ups, and Princes Park was a welcome abode.

“It was a very happy place, particularly with the team so successful,” Alex remembers. “Sunday morning they’d have a beer-up and a get-together . . . it was a good atmosphere.”

The record books show that Harold Hanton – sporting the No.5 of the current Carlton captain – turned out in the famous dark Navy Blue strip for both the opening round of the famous/infamous 1945 premiership season, against Melbourne, and the second round encounter with Hawthorn at Glenferrie Oval.

Harold would have been part of that much-feted 1945 premiership team too, according to Alex, had war not intervened.

As he says, “We were posted overseas after the fifth round, and we weren’t very popular with Harry Bell the secretary because we didn’t tell Carlton early enough to stop our posting”.

A little over 12 months later – in the 10th round of 1946 – Alex strode onto the verdant field at Princes Park, for what would be his one and only senior appearance, against Footscray.

The home team got up by four points.

“I was picked in the first ruck with Jack Howell,” Alex recalls. [Jack] Wrout and [Fred] Davies were both out injured and Bob Chitty, who’d copped eight weeks after the ’45 Grand final, played in the ninth round of ’46 but got reported again . . . so I was chosen in his place.”

“I got half a dozen kicks and kicked a goal in the last quarter.”

Though he fared well in what would be his one and only senior outing, Alex, a 40-game Carlton reserve grade player, is man enough to admit that he probably wasn’t good enough to further his career in the ones.

And as he so readily adds:“It was great to put the Carlton guernsey on, and to play with some great players – Bert Deacon, Jack Howell and some of those chaps . . . it was a good team”.

As for Harold, injury unfortunately intervened.

“I got a knee in the groin in a practice match in Frankston at the start of ’46 and suffered a hernia,” he says. “I had to have an operation and for a time there they thought I wouldn’t have any kids.”

Though their tenures as Carlton footballers were all too brief, the Hantons’ love for the club never waned. For years they took their seats in the old Hawthorn Stand, and were shoulder-to-shoulder at the MCG for all eight of the Blues’ Grand Final conquests, beginning with 1968.

As late as 2000, Harold had his photo taken with Anthony Koutoufides on a much-anticipated visit to the old Carlton ground.

Today, Alex tunes in to Melbourne radio to follow the fortunes of his beloved Blues, as the names of Judd, Murphy and Gibbs are called.

So what do they make of today’s game?

Alex speaks for his twin brother when he observes, “Oh it’s pretty fast isn’t it? . . . and now they kick it backwards and sideways, a bit like bloody soccer”.

April 23rd: Brendan Hartney

Career: 1981-1985
Debut: Round 11, 1981 vs North Melbourne
Carlton Player No.: 895
Games: 32
Goals: Nil
Last Game: Round 18, 1985 vs Sydney
Guernsey No. 24
Height: 179cm
Weight: 81kg
DOB: 23 April, 1958

Recruited from Sandhurst in 1981 after playing more than 100 games with the Bendigo club. Won the reserves best and fairest award in 1983 by 16 votes despite playing 8 games in the seniors and only 14 reserves games. A very underated footballer who battled hard to maintain a spot in the Blues line-up due to an abundance of quality defenders of the same ilk.

April 26th: Simon Minton-Connell

Career: 1989 – 1991
Debut : Round 15, 1989 vs Collingwood, aged 20 years, 80 days
Carlton Player No. 962
Games : 19
Goals : 50
Last Game: Round 24, 1991 vs Richmond, aged 22 years, 126 days
Guernsey Nos. 53 (1989) and 29 (1990-91)
Height: 190 cm (6 ft. 2 in.)
Weight: 83 kg (13 stone, 1 lb.)
DOB : 26 April, 1969

Tasmanian-born Simon Minton-Connell spent time on the lists of four AFL clubs – Carlton, Sydney, Hawthorn and Footscray – in a ten-season career from 1989 to 1998. A capable, accurate full-forward, he was the nephew of Hawthorn’s legendary Peter Hudson, and to date, the only player in Carlton’s history to have worn guernsey number 53 in a senior appearance for the Blues.

Nicknamed ‘SMC’, Minton-Connell first attracted Carlton’s attention as a dashing defender for North Hobart and Tasmania in the elite Teal Cup competition. He was drafted by the Blues at number 38 in the 1986 National Draft, and spent two seasons with Carlton’s Under 19 and Reserve teams. During that time, he was trialled as a key forward, where he discovered an aptitude (and a considerable hunger) for scoring goals… to read more click here.

April 27th: Jon Dorotich

Career : 1986 – 1993
Debut : Round 1, 1986 vs Hawthorn, aged 23 years, 338 days
Carlton Player No. 932
Games : 132
Goals : 103
Last Game: Round 15, 1993 vs Brisbane, aged 31 years, 74 days
Guernsey No. 6
Height : 193 cm (6 ft. 4 in.)
Weight: 97 kg (15 stone, 4 lbs.)
DOB : 27 April, 1962
Premiership Player: 1987

Jon Dorotich was a big, rugged, key defender from South Fremantle who enjoyed a notable football career on both sides of the continent for 17 seasons between 1981 and 1997. Blessed with vice-like hands and a raking left foot, he played in successive Grand Finals for Carlton against Hawthorn in 1986 and 1987; suffering a loss in the first, then taking sweet revenge in the second. After finishing at Carlton, he returned to WA and claimed more glory; as both a 100-goal full-forward, and captain of South Fremantle’s 1997 Premiership team.

Better known as “Dorra” throughout his career, Dorotich came under notice by the Blues when represented WA against Victoria at Subiaco Oval in 1984. Starting on the bench, he came on to take some telling pack marks as WA held out the Big V by four points in a clinker of a game. The Carlton recruiting machine swung into action, and Dorotich joined the Blues in time to make his debut at centre half-back against Hawthorn in round 1, 1986 on an auspicious day for the Carlton Football Club…for more click here.

April 27th: David Glascott

Career : 1981 – 1991
Debut: Round 3, 1981 vs Fitzroy, aged 19 years, 349 days
Carlton Player No. 891
Games : 173
Goals : 81
Last Game: Round 24, 1991 vs Richmond, aged 30 years, 125 days
Guernsey No. 32
Height : 183 cm (6’1″)
Weight : 71.3 kg (11.3)
DOB: April 27, 1961
Premiership Player: 1981, 1982, 1987
Carlton Hall of Fame (2001)
Best Clubman 1989

For most of his career, David Glascott might have been mistaken for a young public schoolboy. With his slender build, his longish blonde hair and his baby face, he seemed anything but a star VFL footballer. But looks are often deceiving, and in Glascott’s case, the fresh face and spindly legs belonged to a determined and skilful midfielder who was a valuable member of three Carlton Premiership teams.

Originally from Thomastown in Melbourne’s north, Glascott starred on a wing in Carlton’s 1979 Under 19 flag side, then worked his way through the Reserves team to make his senior debut in 1981. Standing 183 cm and just 71 kg, the wirey youngster in guernsey number 32 quickly became a crowd favourite. It wasn’t just his ability to get the ball and use it well that was admired; it was the courage he showed in chasing hard and tackling hard, whatever the opposition.

Playing on a wing, Glascott was a fine contributor in the 1981 and ’82 Premiership teams in a dream start to his career. Then as he matured into an elite player he became a handy all-rounder at both ends of the ground. In the 1986 Grand Final loss to Hawthorn he shared the roving duties with Bernie Evans, and when the Blues took their revenge on the Hawks in ’87, he controlled one back pocket in a dominant Carlton defence……for more read here.

28th April: Ken Hunter

Career : 1981 – 1989
Debut : Round 1, 1981 vs Richmond, aged 23 years, 334 days
Carlton Player No. 889
Games : 147
Goals : 160
Last Game : Round 5, 1989 vs Hawthorn, aged 32 years, 1 day
Guernsey No. 9
Height : 183 cm (6 ft. 0 in.)
Weight : 76 kg (12 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : 28 April, 1957
Premiership Player 1981, 1982, 1987
All Australian 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983
Best and Fairest 1981
Leading Goalkicker 1983 (43 goals)
Carlton Hall of Fame Inducted 1998
Carlton Team of the Century

Ken Hunter was already 23 years old when he was recruited to Carlton from Claremont, WA in 1981. A seasoned, two-time All Australian defender, he had finished runner-up to champion ruckman Graham Moss three years in succession as Claremont’s Best and Fairest. Over the same period, he had suffered a broken jaw on three separate occasions, while earning widespread acclaim for his aerial ability and his outstanding bravery in marking contests.

Two other VFL clubs in North Melbourne and Richmond had previously shown interest in Hunter, but both clubs ultimately decided that at 183 cm and only 76 kg, he was just too lightly-framed for the rigours of VFL football. Indeed, Richmond’s President at that time, Ian Wilson – when he heard that Carlton had signed Hunter – was even quoted as saying that Richmond “doesn’t recruit half-back flankers.” That comment was to haunt Wilson for a decade, as Ken went on to forge a magnificent career in Navy Blue……..for more read here.

30th April: Adrian Gleeson

Career : 1986 – 1996
Debut : Round 7, 1986 vs Collingwood, aged 19 years, 10 days
Carlton Player No. 938
Games : 176
Goals : 174
Last Game : Round 18, 1996 vs Fremantle, aged 29 years, 95 days
Guernsey No. 12
Height : 178 cm (5 ft. 10 in.)
Weight : 78 kg (12 stone, 4 lbs.)
DOB : 30 April, 1967
Premiership Player: 1987
Victorian Representative 1990, 1991

Adrian ‘Bear’ Gleeson joined Carlton from Koroit – near Warrnambool, in Western Victoria – in 1986, and carved out a fine career of 176 games, including two Grand Finals and the 1987 Premiership. A cheeky, hard-running rover-forward with great endurance and an eye for the goals, he was also a loyal clubman who happily contributed his skills and experience to the Blues’ Reserves team for an extra season after his days as a senior player were curtailed by injury.

Gleeson was the youngest in a family of seven sons who all played senior football. As a toddler he was nicknamed ‘Humphrey’ which later became ‘Humphrey Bear’ when he was given a Humphrey B. Bear suit as a gift and couldn’t be parted from it. On the football field however, his team-mates just called him ‘Bear’, a moniker that was to become his trademark at Princes Park……..for more read here.

The Spirit of Carlton Past and Present would like to thank and pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country in the military. Over 200 former Blues players have served in the military, we highlight one today, Harry Furnell with an edited extract from his bio on the Blueseum.

It is astounding that Australian Football in general seems to have almost completely overlooked the exploits of Herbert Giblin ‘Harry’ Furnell – surely one of the truly great figures to have represented the Carlton Football Club.

Harry’s brief but brilliant playing career with the Blues was cut short by the demands of his medical studies at Melbourne University in the years after World War 1. He graduated in 1921, then undertook further training overseas, before establishing a private practice in Abbotsford. At the same time, he served as an officer in the Medical Corps of the Australian Militia (a forerunner of the modern Army Reserve).

He travelled to London and Edinburgh in 1927 to study surgical techniques, and to Dublin and Vienna to train in obstetrics. That same year he became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, and back home, a Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Medical Corps. By 1932 Harry had been promoted to the rank of Major, but on those weekends when he wasn’t training with his troops you would find him at a football match, urging on his beloved Blues. The principles of discipline, courage and service to others that guided him throughout his life, came to the fore again in September 1939, when Great Britain declared war on Germany and the Second World War began.

Within weeks, Harry was among the first to volunteer for active service. He was given the service number VX 73, and command of the 2/2nd Field Ambulance, which sailed for the Middle East in April 1940. He was soon in the thick of the action as the Australians advanced through Libya in January 1941. His unit history records that ‘Major Furnell was continuously forward, supervising the collection of the wounded under enemy fire’.

On January 27, during an air-raid near the town of Derna, he saved the life of a wounded soldier by carrying him to a slit-trench and maintaining pressure on a severed artery until help arrived. For this singular act of bravery, and others like it, he was Mentioned In Despatches on the first of four occasions. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel in February 1941, and from April to October that year, was among the 35,000 troops and 10,000 enemy prisoners encircled in the siege of Tobruk. Appointed Assistant Director of Medical Services, Harry was primarily responsible for maintaining the health of the garrison throughout the siege – a task he accomplished to wide acclaim.

Following the Tobruk campaign, Harry was asked to take responsibility for the medical support for the El Alamein offensive in July 1942. He established forward surgical stations for the treatment of the severely wounded, and introduced air evacuations, in a brilliantly successful ‘triumph of organisation and detailed planning.’ For his efforts at Tobruk and El Alamein, Harry was awarded a CBE (Commander in the Order of the British Empire). He was also Mentioned In Despatches again for further acts of personal bravery in June, 1942.

In 1943 Harry was promoted to the rank of Brigadier, and posted back to Australia as Deputy Director of Medical Services for the defence of New Guinea. He spent the following two years embroiled in that crucial campaign, fighting disease and a fanatical enemy in some of the harshest terrain on earth. Twice more – in April and October 1944 – he was Mentioned In Despatches for exceptional leadership in the field. By July 1945, Japanese forces were in full retreat and the end of the war was in sight. Harry returned to Australia, and was placed in reserve. In November of that year he capped his military career, when he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. In a classic understatement, the citation simply read; ‘for efficient and competent leadership in the campaigns at Derna, Tobruk and Benghazi.’

Back in civilian life, Harry was appointed Deputy Director of Medical Services for the Citizens Military Forces of Southern Command in Melbourne from 1946 to 1951, and in 1962 he was appointed an honorary Colonel of the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps. During this time he was also able to rekindle his love of the game of Australian Football in general, and the Carlton Blues in particular.

Harry’s life journey ended on the 22nd of November 1973, when he passed away in East Melbourne. His grave can be found at Springvale cemetery. At his funeral a former wartime comrade, W.W. Lempriere, spoke of Harry’s courage, endurance, high principles and sense of humour, while a medical colleague, Sir Geoffrey Newman-Morris, told of Harry’s ‘kindness, gentleness, and the firm and decisive manner in which he served the profession he loved and adorned so well.’

Harry Furnell was an extraordinary man, a brave and resourceful soldier, a gifted footballer and a great human being. And he was one of ours.

For the full text please read: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Harry+Furnell

The game on Saturday night between Carlton and Adelaide saw the first Spirit of Carlton home game function for the year at Etihad Stadium and the first time that the SOC has been able to use the magnificent Endeavour room. This room is available exclusively to SOC members and will be our main venue for the remaining five home game functions at Etihad this season.

When I walked into the room the very first thing that struck me was how similar it was in feel to the old Social Club at Visy Park. There was the bar at the back, plenty of standing room, large windows revealing magnificent views of the ground and rows of exclusive premium seating just outside the room for those who like to sit down and soak in the atmosphere. I have to admit it did bring back a lot of fond memories and the room along with the familiar faces of fellow Blues supporters made me feel like I was ‘home’ at the footy again.

Past players and officials in attendance on Saturday night included, David Rhys-Jones, Alex Marcou, Val Perovic, Ian Prendergast, Mil Hanna, Jamie Dunlop, Steve Da Rui, Tony Zoanetti, Frank Brosnan, Gary Higgins, Gary Vallence, Mark Naley, Mark Amos and Albert Millson.

The room can hold 300 people so there is plenty of room for anyone thinking of coming along. If you are a SOC member for just $50 you get a premium seat just out the front of the Endeavour room, drinks at bar prices, free finger food at half time, great raffle prizes and exclusive auction items and being able to mingle with past greats of the club. You get an experience at the footy that can cost some people thousands of dollars.

If you haven’t already get yourself a SOC membership. There are still 5 more home game functions at Etihad and another 3 at the MCG. For a small outlay you can get a big experience.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM

To see what happens at half time and interviews with Ian Prendergast and Mil Hanna please check out our video below.

Link: PHOTO GALLERY

April 18th: Dennis Munari

Career : 1967 – 1970
Debut : Round 8, 1967 vs Geelong, aged 19 years, 45 days
Carlton Player No. 799
Games : 41
Goals : 20
Last Game : Round 22, 1970 vs Melbourne, aged 22 years, 132 days
Guernsey Nos. 37 (1967) and 8 (1968-70)
Height : 178 cm ( 5 ft. 10 in.)
Weight : 76 kg (12 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : April 18, 1948
Premiership Player 1968

Dennis Munari came to Carlton as a promising centreman from that wonderful football nursery of Assumption College at Kilmore. A stylish right-footer, he was solid in his debut season in 1967, only to be edged out of his preferred position early the following year by the arrival of Tasmanian sensation Brent Crosswell. Munari then found a niche as second rover to Adrian Gallagher, and was instrumental in Carlton’s drive to the 1968 Premiership.

Munari wore guernsey number 37 for his first senior appearance – off the bench – in round 8 of 1967, against Geelong at Princes Park. The Blues won a thriller by four points, then lost another cliff-hanger by 2 points to Richmond a week later. In captain-coach Ron Barassi’s third season in charge, Carlton had begun emerging as a force after years of mediocrity, winding up the home and away rounds just two points adrift of minor premiers Richmond… for more visit here.

April 20th: Mark Majerczak

Career: 1987 – 1991
Debut: Round 10, 1987 v Brisbane
946th Carlton Player
Games: 17
Goals: 20
Last game: Round 18, 1991 v Brisbane
Guernsey No. 33, 48
Height: 180cm
Weight: 75kg
DOB: 20 April, 1968

‘Magic’, as he was known to Carlton fans, was a goalsneak who played 17 games for the Blues in the late 1980s. He was an accurate left foot kick and a consistent performer in the reserves, but found it hard to crack a regular spot in the team during a time when finals were a given for Carlton. Had better than a goal a game ratio which indicates that he knew where the sticks were, but suffered in comparison to similar size players such as Mark Naley.

Mark’s first kick in senior footy with the Blues resulted in a goal – a classy pick-up, slight shimmy and a kick from about 40 metres out from the scoreboard end at Princes Park.

Recruited from St Marks/Fawkner, Mark has also played Little League Football for Carlton (in 1979). Those were the days when each club ran their own Little League Squads – at this time the Carlton Squad was coached/managed by Keith Duggan, who had an uncanny resemblance to Australian entertainer Rolf Harris…. for more visit here.

April 20th: Phil Maylin

Career : 1980 – 1984
Debut : Round 1, 1980 vs Collingwood, aged 23 years, 343 days
Carlton Player No. 881
Games : 89
Goals : 48
Last Game : Round 22, 1984 vs South Melbourne, aged 28 years, 134 days
Guernsey No. 13
Height : 175 cm (5 ft. 9 in.)
Weight : 76 kg (12 stone)
DOB: 20 April, 1956
Premiership Player: 1981, 1982

A hard-working, tenacious utility from South Australian club Woodville, Phil ‘Shark’ Maylin was a month short of his 24th birthday when he made his debut for the Blues in 1980, and went on to be a popular member of Carlton’s 1981 and ‘82 Premiership sides. Virtually from the day of his arrival at Princes Park in the late summer of 1979, his application and work ethic demanded that a place be found for him in the reigning Premiership team.

Wearing guernsey number 13, Maylin went through a baptism of fire against Collingwood in his first senior game at Victoria Park in round one of 1980. Playing on a wing alongside Ken Sheldon and Peter Francis, Phil earned respect for his hardness at the contest, as Wayne Johnston kicked seven goals and Carlton won a torrid clash by 38 points. Former St Kilda defender Val Perovic also did well for the Blues in his first appearance for his new club, while Peter ‘Percy’ Jones made a good start to his senior coaching career….. for more visit here.

April 21st: Tom Alvin

Career : 1984 – 1994
Debut: Round 1, 1984 vs North Melbourne, aged 21 years, 344 days
Carlton Player No. 914
Games : 218
Goals : 95
Last Game: Qualifying Final, 1994 vs Melbourne, aged 32 years, 143 days
Guernsey No. 31
Height : 183 cm (6 ft. 0 in.)
Weight : 80 kg (12 stone, 8 lbs.)
DOB : 21 April, 1962
Premiership Player 1987
Carlton Hall of Fame : 1999

Tom Alvin was recruited by Carlton in 1984 from the strong Latrobe Valley club Bairnsdale, where he had developed into an outstanding country footballer under the guidance of his coach; ex Blue Trevor Fletcher. Fletcher placed a lot of faith in the club’s youth, and Alvin was one of the main beneficiaries. To this day Tom credits Fletcher as being one of the greatest influences in his career, while Bairnsdale won a Premiership in 1981 with Alvin playing a key role. By 1983, the 21 year-old had been tied to Footscray for a season or two, but when his contract lapsed, Carlton believed in his potential and offered him a second chance at a league football career. It was a winning punt by the Blues, and Alvin was eventually able to play for the team that he followed avidly throughout his childhood. Wearing guernsey number 31, Tommy turned into a popular, consistent and long-serving defender who was an integral member of three Carlton Grand Final teams…. for more visit here.

Join Syd Jackson, Ken Hunter, Val Perovic & other Carlton legends in Darwin for this very special event. Don’t miss your chance to rub shoulders with some of the greats of the game.

There will also be plenty of fantastic auction items available on the day.

Date : 27th of May 2011.

Time : 12.00pm

Venue: Kantilla’s Room, TIO Stadium, Abala Rd, Marrara.

Cost: $120.00 per person, Includes gourmet lunch by Karen Sheldon catering, beer, wine and soft drink.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ORDER FORM

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Syd Jackson

  

Playing Career : 1969 – 1976
Debut : Round 1, 1969 vs St Kilda, aged 24 years 278 days
Carlton Player No. 808
Games : 136
Goals : 165
Guernsey No. 5
Last Game : Preliminary Final, 1976 vs North Melbourne, aged 32 years 79 days
DOB : July 1, 1944
Premiership Player 1970, 1972
Carlton Hall of Fame (2006) 

Ken Hunter

Career : 1981 – 1989
Debut : Round 1, 1981 vs Richmond, aged 23 years, 334 days
Carlton Player No. 889
Games : 147
Goals : 160
Last Game : Round 5, 1989 vs Hawthorn, aged 32 years, 1 day
Guernsey No. 9
DOB : 28 April, 1957
Premiership Player 1981, 1982, 1987
All Australian 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983
Best and Fairest 1981
Leading Goalkicker 1983 (43 goals)
Carlton Hall of Fame Inducted 1998
Carlton Team of the Century

Val Perovic

Career : 1980 – 1985
Debut : Round 1, 1980 vs Collingwood, aged 26 years, 185 days
Carlton Player No. 882
Games : 97
Goals : 1
Guernsey No. 15
Last Game : Round 10, 1985 vs Hawthorn, aged 31 years, 249 days
Height : 194 cm ( 6 ft. 4 in.)
Weight : 97 kg (15 stone, 4 lbs.)
DOB : 25 September, 1953
Premiership Player 1981, 1982