By Wes King

On Friday, South Perth Bowling Club played host to our SoC function.

With a large turn-out of dyed in the wool Blues fans, plus a huge cast of past players, Richard Dennis (WA head of SoC and 87 Premiership player) was confident it was always going to be a great day.

Jon Dorotich once again did a fantastic job as Master of Ceremonies, asking the right questions to get some great stories going. Guests of Honour for the day, Des English, Alex Marcou and Wayne Harmes, had the audience intrigued and amused with some of their fabulous tales of the premiership years of 79, 81 and 82.

Thirty years later there is still a belief among all of the boys that we should have won 80 as well.

Adding to the atmosphere of the afternoon, we were fortunate to have several other Blues from that era in attendance. Peter Bosustow, David McKay, Ross Ditchburn, Denis Collins and Allan Montgomery all made it, with Buzz and Swan adding their own comments in question time.

Players from the mid 80’s in Dorotich, Dennis, Shine, Da Rui and Povey all shared experiences from their time at the club with people on their tables. Given we were playing the arch enemy that night, a rousing reception was given to David McKay when Dorra announced that Swan is the only Blues player to have played in 3 winning grand finals against Collingwood! 

While we all went off after the event hoping for a win that night, alas it was not to be. But the signs are very promising….. If the current crop of players have a bond as strong as the past players share, one thing is a definite – the Spirit of Carlton is alive and well.

Thanks to the boys for flying across for the event, and Bob Lowrie for arranging it.

Thanks to all the supporters for coming along. Also a huge thanks to caterer Jo and her team for the great food, and the local committee (Paul, Ian, Garry, Warren) for your help on the day.

Carna Blues!

Click here to check out photos from the day!

The Spirit of Carlton would like to thank Wes King and everyone from the WA Blues for helping out with such a great day and for their continued support of the Spirit of Carlton. If you are in WA check out the WA Blues, one of the best supporter groups in the AFL. http://www.wablues.com

The Spirit of Carlton is proud to announce the introduction of our new Business Directory.

Expose your business to passionate blues supporters. Being part of our premium online business directory will ensure your business is associated with a strong network of past players, supporters and fellow businesses. Become a member of the Spirit of Carlton Business Directory today.

 Just $250 for non past players or $100 for past players for one year on the directory.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM

By Tony De Bolfo

Sorrell represented the old dark Navy Blues in 23 senior matches between the opening round of the premiership year of 1947 and the ’49 second semi-final, his last on-field appearance. He then turned out for Fitzroy for one senior game in 1950.

The second of three sons of Ralph & Marie Sorrell, Alan was born in Ivanhoe in 1923, and spent his formative years in Gardenvale. Following his marriage to Laurel in 1941, the newlyweds relocated to East Brighton, and it was there in February that they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

A dux of Melbourne University’s commerce faculty, Sorrell pursued a career as a public accountant. But with the outbreak of World War II he answered the King and Country’s call, ably representing the Royal Australian Medical Corps in its militia field ambulance unit.

Sorrell served in that unit for five years, and while he emerged without any physical scars, there was the mental anguish. As his son Ashley explained: “He had to help wounded soldiers and pick up dead bodies . . . he didn’t talk about it much, and although he used to catch up with his old cobbers at yearly reunions, he never went to the marches”.

Ashley termed his father’s playing career “quite unique”.         

“Dad came back from the war at the age of 23 in August of 1946, and he’d never played football before. He played three or four games for Melbourne High School Old Boys to get a bit of fitness and by ’47 was playing in the first round with the Carlton seniors. Not a bad achievement,” Ashley said.

“Dad wasn’t a superstar but he was very tall for that era (6’2″) – in fact he always thought of himself as a journeyman and he never boasted about his career.  But he loved his club.

“He was 90 per cent sight impaired at the end because of glaucoma, but in the old days we used to go to Carlton’s bigger games together. He always followed the Blues and knew all the current players because he was a terrific newspaper reader . . . and he was at the Spirit of Carlton’s last AGM.”

A contemporary of Sorrell’s the dual Carlton premiership centre half-forward Ken Hands, said that while he had only crossed paths with Sorrell twice in the years since, “I can remember him quite clearly”.

“Alan played as a follower, but he didn’t play for long. He was a quiet sort of player, rather gentle, and while he wasn’t a quick mover he moved smoothly,” Hands said.

“He was a very nice fellow.”

Sorrell is survived by his daughters Sharon and André, and son Ashley.

Tickets are still available for this event it is not too late to book your spot. This Friday night the game is going to be huge, make it a massive day out by attending this special SOC event before the big game.

In exciting news for WA blues supporters the Spirit of Carlton will be holding a matchday function in Perth on the day of the big Carlton vs Collingwood clash on the 8th of April. Perth Blues supporters are some of the most passionate and dedicated in the land and this event is sure to be very popular. 

Your Host: Jon Dorotich

1987 Premiership Player for Carlton

1986-1993, 132 games, 103 goals

 

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.

Guests: Wayne Harmes

Premiership Player: 1979, 1981, 1982
Norm Smith Medal: 1979
Victorian Representative : 1979, 1986
Carlton Hall of Fame (2000)

Like his predecessors Fred Stafford and Ted Hopkins, Wayne Harmes will forever be remembered for one inspirational passage of play in Carlton’s 1979 Grand Final victory over Collingwood. On that wet, cold day before 112,000 fans at the MCG, Carlton started warm favourites. But in a tough, slogging match, the Magpies simply refused to be shaken off. With only minutes remaining, the Blues were in front by just four points, with the black & whites finishing hard and looking a big chance to snatch victory. Enter Wayne Harmes. After playing superbly all day, he gathered the ball at half-forward, only to see his kick slew off his boot and skid toward the boundary in Carlton’s forward pocket. Instantly, he turned and chased, dived, and with a desperate round-arm swipe at the ball, knocked it into the goal square. Waiting there, clear of any opponent, was rover Ken Sheldon – who gleefully goaled to win another flag for the Navy Blues.

Alex Marcou

Premiership Player: 1979, 1981, 1982
Carlton Hall of Fame (2006)

Alex Marcou was a member of Carlton’s fabled mosquito fleet of brilliant small men of the 1970’s and ‘80’s, and a three-time Premiership rover for the Blues. Recruited within the Blues recruiting zone, from northern suburban VAFA club Thomastown, he was among four first-gamers for Carlton in the opening round of the 1979 season. The others were Wayne Johnston, Robbert Klomp and Peter Francis; all of whom were destined for Premiership glory. Marcou was a lightning-quick rover with sure ball-handling skills and excellent goal sense. Aged 20 on debut, by mid-season in ‘79 he was a regular in a powerful Blues combination that topped the ladder, then went on to beat Collingwood by 5 points in a see-sawing Grand Final on a boggy MCG. It was the perfect culmination to a great first year for the 178 cm, 76 kg speedster wearing number 34, and he was widely regarded as Recruit of the Year.

Des English

Career : 1980 – 1987
Games : 104
Goals : 6
Premiership Player : 1981 & 1982

Another in a long line of courageous, reliable and tough back-pockets for the Blues, Des English was a valuable contributor in three Carlton Grand Final teams, including the 1981 and ’82 Premiership sides. One of the most respected players of his era, he was, sadly, forced into premature retirement when he was diagnosed with leukaemia.

English came to Carlton from Bendigo League club Eaglehawk in 1980, following in the footsteps of champion rover Rod Ashman. Like “Ashy”, Des had also won the Two Blues’ Best & Fairest award, and was a regular Bendigo League representative, usually at half-back. At Carlton he found a niche in the back pocket, and began consolidating his place in one of the league’s power teams.

Date : 8th of April 2011.

Time : 12.30pm – 3.30pm

Venue: South Perth Bowling Club – Mends St, Sth Perth

Cost: $100.00 per person, Includes meal, beer, wine and soft drink.

Hosted by Jon Dorotich, join Alex Marcou, Des English, & Wayne Harmes for this very special event and 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.

Please CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ORDER FORM to get your seat!

5th April: Mil Hanna

Milham Hanna was an extraordinarily well built but enigmatic wingman / defender for the Blues in between 1986 and 1997. As an outstanding junior footballer he always seemed destined as being a future senior player with the Blues. He was selected in the All-Australian Team for the 1983 Teal Cup after representing Victoria in the carnival. Hanna was a local lad recruited from East Brunswick.

Hanna’s debut is perhaps one of the greatest horror stories that can be suffered by a footy player. Much like the Carlton debut of Dean Rice, where he suffered a severe knee injury, but even worse as it was Hanna’s first game overall, Hanna busted his knee in Round 1 of 1986 against the Hawks. He was retained by the Blues but not seen again until Round 7, 1987.

Of Lebanese descent, Hanna had a long right foot kick on him but hardly ever used his left. Hanna’s pace and agility meant that he could be played in many positions across the wing or half back, plus the occasional stint up forward. A 5 goal game against the Hawks at Waverley in 1995 sticks in the mind – he was kicking them from everywhere on that day.

Hanna played 19 games in 1993, including our Grand Final loss to the Bombers, a game in which he was knocked heavily by tough-man Dean Wallis in what was arguably a defining moment of the match.

Hanna would play all games in 1994 and 1995, including playing on the wing in the Grand Final. Hanna’s brilliant opening quarter in the “Grannie” cannot be underestimated, with Hanna scorching the outer wing on Aaron Lord (our nemesis from the 1994 finals campaign) and delivering beautifully to Brad Pearce for one special goal in our first quarter onslaught. Geelong switched the wings in the second quarter, giving Kouta to chance to dominate – as he did. But there is no doubt Hanna was a key player at the start of the game.

Mil began to slow down over 1996 and 1997, departing in 1997 after only a handful of games for the year. But he would retire a 190 game Premiership Player for the Blues.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Mil+Hanna

April 9th: Brad Fisher

Fisher was one of those draft pick gems that pop up late in the order. Taken at number 72 in the 2002 National Draft, he made 99 senior appearances and booted 127 goals for Carlton in eight injury-plagued seasons. Courageous, and an often freakish high mark, he richly deserved to be remembered as a 100-game Blue (and went to great lengths trying to achieve that honour) but in the end, his fragile body let him down.

Fisher’s path to Carlton led from his junior club East Burwood, to the Eastern Ranges in the elite level TAC Cup Under 18 competition. From there he was drafted by the Blues, and assigned guernsey number 14. He was carrying a completely different number however, when he created real excitement in his first match at VFL level by kicking six big goals on debut for the Northern Bullants. Typical of Blues-listed players at the lower level, “Fish” wasn’t wearing the number 14 that day, nor the number listed next to his name in the single page handout available at Cramer St Oval. Instead, he thrilled the crowd in jumper number 36 – which only added to the confusion, because that was usually carried by one the Bullants’ real stalwarts, Josh Vansittart!

That sparkling first-up effort brought an immediate call-up to Carlton’s senior side, and Fisher officially became a Blue on the huge stage of Friday night football at the MCG in round 2, 2003. Carlton took on Collingwood that night, putting up some spirited resistance before falling by 16 points. Brad started on the bench, came on to take a couple of impressive grabs, and kicked his first career goal.

He held on to his place in the side throughout the remainder of a bleak year for Carlton, and despite a couple of minor problems with a knee and shoulder, ended up playing 16 games in an excellent debut season, highlighted by his AFL Rising Star nomination for his solid effort in Carlton’s win over Richmond at the MCG in round 12…..

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Brad+Fisher

April 15th: Ron De Iulio

Ron burst on to the scene with 29 goals from 19 games as a pacy half-forward in the 1992 season, wearing the #34 guernsey. He was recruited from VFA club Box Hill, previous to that, he had played with VFA club Brunswick.

After battling with Luke O’Sullivan and the resting rovers such as Mitchell, Gleeson and Heaver for that role in subsequent years, Ron went back to the reserves and was was tried in defence. He eventually returned to the senior team, often picking up the opposition’s fastest and smallest forward. In this role, De Iulio had breakthrough years in 1996 and 1998 (playing 21 and all 22 games respectively) and began to make a name for himself as a defensive stalwart whilst the Blues struggled.

He had many battles with Sean Charles and later Jeff Farmer playing against Melbourne and was a valuable member of the team. But he struggled to maintain his place in the side in 1999, after playing the first 5 games, playing his final game in Round 21. He remained at the club in 2000 but spent the entire year in the VFL, where his career ended.

He ended up playing 104 games in the #34- a fair achievement and just enough to earn him a place on the locker, as only the third Blue to do so.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Ron+De+Iulio

This Friday night we will witness one of the most hyped Carlton versus Collingood games for quite some time. Both teams undefeated, both with a long and traditional rivalry.

If you read the papers, watch the TV and peruse the net you would be forgiven for thinking that Collingwood are an invincible winning machine. This is a team that scraped through by the barest of margins for a second chance at a premiership against a club that has one premiership in over a century. Since then they have beaten Port Adelaide and North Melbourne, two teams currently in the bottom four and looking likely to stay there.

This scenario brings back some memories.

After Essendon convincingly won the 2000 premiership they won their first two rounds of the 2001 season. They were being praised as possibly the greatest team of all time, they seemed invincible.

The two teams they defeated in the first two round were ….. Port Adelaide and North Melbourne.

Essendon were due to play guess who in Round 3?

Yes, Carlton.

This was the game where the Blues had Silvagni, Bradley and Kouta as late withdrawals before the game. The Blues were given no chance at all against the invincible Bombers.

We won by 17 points!

Lets just see what happens on Friday night. No team is invincible.

The Spirit of Carlton Past and Present is taking the online world head on and wants to be seen by as many Carlton supporters as possible, we know there are thousands of us, so lets get involved.

In order to spread the word we are going to be running a competition. What we want from you is very simple, just tell other Carlton supporters about us, whether that is on twitter, facebook or your social media of choice.

There are several ways you can enter:

Retweet one of our tweets from our twitter account at https://twitter.com/SpiritofCarlton

Use our TELL A FRIEND page at our facebook fan page, let us know via email so we can include you in the draw.

If you have used other ways such as email, digg or anything else, let us know via email so we can include you in the draw.

At the end of April we will collect the names of those who have helped us spread the word and you will be in the running to win a Spirit of Carlton shirt and cap. The winner will be drawn randomly from the entries we have collected to the 30th April.

The winner will be announced on the 1st of May.

Don’t forget to LIKE us on facebook and FOLLOW us on twitter!

Season 2011 began in the best possible fashion with a win and a wonderful night thanks to the Spirit of Carlton. Your humble correspondent took advantage of a ticketed night of entertainment from the Spirit of Carlton Past and Present, all the following for just $35.

The night began by finding the Ron Barassi room and settling down for a quiet drink (at bar prices) and speaking to fellow Blues supporters about the most interesting thing in the world, the Carlton Football Club! The night was generously sponsored by Cameron Knight of Jim’s Roofing Services, you can see the business details in the photos associated with this article. The album of pictures can be accessed here: http://spiritofcarlton.com/blog/photos/carlton-vs-richmond-march-24-2011/

 About 40 minutes before the game started the MC for the night, the famous Jimmy Buckely got things started with a few well timed gags and then introduced Geoff Southby who spoke about what the Spirit of Carlton had been doing in recent times. We were informed about the preservation of history program the SOC is building in association with the club and in particular Tony De Bolfo. The most obvious result so far to Carlton supporters is the spectacular new display case in the foyer at Visy Park. Geoff also kindly talked about developments such as this website and how the SOC is getting serious about connecting with supporters through the internet and social media (as an aside our twitter account ticked over 1000 followers this morning, check us out at https://twitter.com/#!/SpiritofCarlton). The support that the SOC has given the current playing group was also mentioned. The SOC has contributed over $330,000 so far to the club for use in specific projects to benefit the current playing group. Some of the items the club now has thanks to the SOC include, a new golf cart for the property steward to transport training gear, GPS units for the players to track their matchday performance, iPads and accompanied software that helps with their weights management training and support for the father and son training academy to name a few.

 After this I was eyeing off the raffle item in the corner, a signed Brent Crosswell guernsey. This is quite a rare item and would be a fine addition to any supporters memorabilia collection. The picture of Barassi and Croswell on the item was a beauty as well and reminded me of the interesting path these two men followed through three different football clubs together.

 It was time to wander to my seat and I was happy to find a spot beautifully positioned on the ground level near the fifty. As usual the atmosphere at the MCG was magic and 60,000 Blues and Tigers supporters yelled and clapped and booed with gusto through the first half.

When the half time siren sounded I hightailed it back to the Ron Barassi room. Ken ‘Bomba’ Sheldon took the podium and gave a summary of the first half of the game. Also up on the stage were Peter McConville and Alex Marcou completing a trifecta of triple premiership players, the triple tripletts. Peter and Alex spoke with fondness about their time at the Blues and how close the team was as a unit back in those days. It was then time for the auctions and the raffle result. By this time I had made my way through several vietnamese rolls and party pies, the SOC put on a big spread of food which was enthusiastically eaten by guests in attendance. Apart from over 100 SOC members and supporters there were a lot of past players in the room apart from those already mentioned including Syd Jackson and David Rhys-Jones.  The auction items were a guernsey signed by the entire 2011 playing list and another guernsey signed by the three amigos, Garlett, Yarren and Betts. The lucky winner of the raffle prize was non other than the best racing caller in the land (and Richmond supporter) Greg Miles.

It was time to return to the game and despite some nervous moments the Blues managed a win. It was then time to enjoy a quiet after the game drink in the Ron Barassi room with the SOC boys and chat about the game.

All in all a great night out at the footy!

If you want to enjoy a night (or day) out like this one make sure to check out our upcoming home game functions on our calendar here: http://spiritofcarlton.com/blog/events/ The next home game event is for the round four clash against Essendon at the MCG. Be sure to secure your tickets by calling Justine Wratten on 0438 271 948 between 9am and 5pm weekdays.

Many happy returns to the following past players for their birthdays for the remainder of the month.

March 26th

Jon McCormick

Jon McCormick had a brief but thought provoking stay at Carlton. A great performer in the Murray league, McCormick was touted as a North rookie but Carlton snapped him up in the Rookie Draft nice & early, presumably on Pagan’s advice from their shared North days. McCormick had been recruited from the Murray Kangaroos, after stints with the Murray Bushrangers U/18’s and Wangaratta.

Given the #41, McCormick had a promising pre-season and was promoted for Round 1 of the year. And he made a huge impression, earning 19 stats and kicking 2 goals (with his first two kicks) as the Blues crashed to a large loss against the Swans. One of those goals was a pearler of a right foot snap, and it seemed that McCormick was a diamond in the rough that would help us through our draft penalties.

A right-footer, McCormick is also well remembered for his hairstyles which prompted many nicknames in the crowd. “Rockin’ Roddy” was one of my favourites, after his likeness for crooner Rod Stewart. As a player, his key strength was ball winning ability but he did not have a large frame or super strength to back it up, more relying on skill and footy smarts to get the ball out. His preferred right produced the odd grubber too.

He would play 21 games in 2003 and was presumably setting himself up for a permanent midfield role. Within the season were some stellar games, including a 26 stat game against the Bulldogs. Averaging 13.9 possessions a game, it seemed as though 2004 would be another strong year.

But McCormick would only play 5 games in 2004 as Pagan chose to prefer other players. With limited game time in those games, he would fail to gather more than 8 possessions and could only do one thing – excel at VFL level to try to get another crack. But he was delisted at the end of the 2004 season, after 26 games in the Navy Blue.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Jonathon+McCormick

March 28th

Luke O’Sullivan

The story of Luke “Rhino” O’Sullivan is a pearler – was on the list for almost a decade, and only managed to reach his 50th game in his last year. A unique player, O’Sullivan was a 182cm barrel-chested, feet-pumping forward pocket / flanker who loved a goal. He was recruited from the Blues U/19’s, after originally playing for Xavier College (Kew) despite signing on for Footscray where his cousin Shane O’Sullivan had moved to a few years earlier.

Luke also had another brother affiliated with the Blues, older brother Brendan O’Sullivan played Reserve Grade footy with the Blues from 1978 to 1980, he was also later to be the Runner for the Senior team.

Wearing the #27, Rhino had these fantastic side-burns that he wore with pride. His signature move was to take a bounce, rock on to his left foot (preferred) and try to run through tackles. He gave away his fair share of holding the ball free kicks, but also ran over a few opponents. He was a unique player, a player with flair, and clearly a player the Blues loved to keep around despite injury.

First playing in 1988, and perhaps most memorable for a 4 goal burst in Round 6, 1992, O’Sullivan would ironically be delisted after his best year of football, 1997. In the 4 years up to 1997, Rhino would manage 0, 2, 6 and 1 game respectively, due to injury and our strong team a the time. Doing his knee at Waverley didn’t help – remember the surface giving way when he was wearing number 60 in the 1993 ‘Night’ game against Footscray when the Club left his jumper back at Carlton?

1997 was Rhino’s year. 15 games, kicking 12 goals 7 from the flank and occasional midfield role, provided a lot of enjoyment to the fans as Carlton slid out of the finals. Two cracking games – Round 9 versus Freo (26 stats, 2 goals) and Round 11 versus Brisbane are appropriate highlight packages for the man we all loved, the man we all wanted to succeed, the man with the sidies – “Rhino”.

Luke O’Sullivan is the uncle of Sydney Swans youngster Daniel Hannebery.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Luke+O%27Sullivan

March 29th

Simon Verbeek

Simon Verbeek was a football journeyman. From his hometown at St Arnaud, he played in a Richmond 1985 U/19’s premiership, the next two seasons he played reserve grade football with the Tigers. He was then cut from the final list and then crossed to VFA club Oakleigh, Richmond again him and invited him to Punt Road for 1988 pre-season, but he was unable to break into the Tigers’ senior team. His coach at Oakleigh, was ex Blues premiership winger, Bryan Quirk, he notified Carlton and the Blues invited Verbeek to Carlton for a tryout.

The Blues gave him that opportunity by recruiting him with selection 12 in the 1989 Pre-Season Draft, and Verbeek responded with a solid debut season to win our Best First Year Player award. Verbeek’s strength was he had a good set of hands and was very strong overhead.

From then on, Simon always seemed to be on the verge of a good career, but unfortunately couldn’t take the extra step required to become an established League footballer. He spent three seasons at Princes Park, and despite occasional flashes of brilliance, was delisted in 1991.

Verbeek also played for the Victorian U/17’s team in 1984.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Simon+Verbeek

March 30th

Adrian Hickmott

Adrian Hickmott was a tough, hard-at-it and fair right foot utility who would play 134 games for the Blues between 1996 and 2003. Hickmott would play mainly as a forward with the occasional stint at half-back, and was renowned for his fearlessness and toughness at the ball.

Hickmott started off as a Cat and played 50 games and scored 24 goals, including Geelong’s 1995 Grand Final loss to Carlton, where it must be said he was one of the better players and arguably had the better of Ang Christou by leading hard all day. Whilst the Cat’s big named forwards like Ablett, Brownless and Handley were all being swamped by the Blues defence, this red-head in hoops kept on bobbing up.

Come season’s end, Hickmott would find his way to the Blues in a 3-way trade including draft picks to Carlton, with Troy Bond leaving the Blues for Adelaide. Whether it was his floppy boyish red hair, or his slightly different kicking action, few at Carlton realised how tough and courageous young Hicky was; but over his 8 year career with the Blues he would demonstrate it over & over again.

“Hicky” would make an immediate impact in his new number 9 guernsey with 22 games and 17 in 1997, before a serious knee injury deprived Hickmott of then entire 1998 season. But he would return in 1999 and play all but 2 games from Round 7. A hamstring strain would force him to miss the Preliminary Final but he would be immediately recalled for the Grand Final.

But it would be 2000 and 2001 where we would see the best of Hickmott, with 21 and 23 games respectively and 20 + goals each year.

Hickmott’s fearless attitude to the ball and cheeky grin would endear himself to the Carlton crowd, even if he had come from another club. Some mindless marking attempt where he would be knocked out only added to the cause. His courage and desire led Hickmott to be appointed as Deputy Vice Captain for the Blues between 2002 and 2003.

But Hickmott would retire in Round 16 of 2003 due to a serious groin injury, which had plagued him all year.

Hickmott’s retirement, together with Brett Ratten‘s earlier in the season, would rob the Blues of two courageous leaders. But these were only the starting steps of a serious amount of change at Carlton, with 2003 marking a record level of changes in an AFL list.

Hickmott would step into the coaching game at VFL level in 2008 taking charge of the Bendigo Bombers as well as being an assistant coach under Essendon coach Matthew Knights.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Adrian+Hickmott

 

The SOC executive held one of their regular meetings this morning in the salubrious confines of Visy Park. While there some members of the executive took time to appreciate the magnificent new display cabinet paid for in part by the Spirit of Carlton Past and Present.

By Tony De Bolfo originally for carltonfc.com.au

Former Carlton President Ian Rice has shed precious light on the tumultuous events of 1979 and ’80, as the club completes its preparations for the Hall of Fame Dinner and celebration of the 1981/’82 back-to-back Grand Final triumphs. Now living in London, and having been based in Europe for the past 23 years, Rice is an apology for Saturday week’s function at Crown Palladium, and will be represented by his son Richard – who as a seven year-old Carlton supporter was part of the Princes Park post-match pitch invasion for the mandatory kick of the footy. But Rice recently agreed to reflect on his four years at the helm at Carlton, and respond to a series of questions for carltonfc.com.au.

In the following Q and A, Rice talks candidly of;

 • initially refusing an offer from club powerbroker Wes Lofts to assume the Carlton Presidency;

• secret meetings with Ron Barassi, at which he offered Barassi first dibs at a return to the club as Senior Coach, replacing Peter Jones; and

• persuading the late Perc Bentley to crucially redirect his vote from Jones to David Parkin as Senior Coach on the day his (Rice’s) own casting vote secured Parkin’s place in history as Jones’ successor. 

The Rice interview is as follows;

Q: Thirty years on, what are your overriding memories of the 1981 and 82 years?

A: A mixture of pride that I was privileged to play a part in some of the most successful years in Carlton’s proud 147 year history.

Q: How did you come to be Carlton President and what do you believe was your greatest legacy?

A: I had been a club Patron and as a Melbourne City Council chairman I was able to assist Carlton in its ground development and the arrangements for Hawthorn to share Princes Park. On Monday December 3rd, 1979 the Club President, George Harris dramatically resigned at the Annual Meeting. The Premiership club was in turmoil. The Captain-Coach, Alex Jesaulenko wrote to the Club that he would not continue in any capacity unless Harris was returned as President. Amongst the Harris/Jesaulenko comeback terms was ‘Jezza’s’ appointment as Chairman of the Match Committee, Captain and Coach . Subsequently at a meeting of players Jezza was advised this was not acceptable as Mike Fitzpatrick was appointed Captain , Mark Maclure vice captain and ‘Percy’ Jones Coach. On Tuesday 4th December the Chairman of the Match Committee, Wes Lofts bumped into me at Sydney Airport and asked if I would take on the Presidency. I said I was not interested. The club`s finances were in a mess, the Committee and Club were split over the Harris/Jesaulenko proposals and the chaos was front and back page every day. The Committee, split down the middle, was due to meet on Thursday 6th December to address the Harris/Jesaulenko proposals – without a President and with feelings running very high amongst the membership . Under these incredible circumstances, I was approached again hours before the crucial meeting and accepted the position with a lot of misgivings. The chaos surrounding Carlton dominated the national media for the summer. Harris and Jesaulenko called for an Extraordinary General Meeting of members to be held at Festival Hall on 7.30 pm Tuesday, 19th February. The Supreme Court ruled on which members were entitled to vote. There were eleven motions, the first of which was to remove me as a Director. Each side had four speakers to the motion. I received 72 per cent of the vote and Harris and Jezza left the club. It was such a tragic ending for one of Carlton’s all time greats. My greatest legacy was to bring order out of chaos which enabled the focus and attention to be placed on the people that most count – the team.

Q: Did you expect the spectacular successes to happen so quickly after the internal divisions?

A: I knew we had a great team, as I had consulted some of our former champions, but my major concern was how to unlock that ability. The squad of 30 was a well-bonded unit, with a strong club spirit , but we had an untried, inexperienced coach in Percy Jones.

Q: Obviously the appointment of David Parkin was crucial to the club’s turnaround after the disappointment of season 1980. Do you recall how Parkin’s name first appeared on the radar as a prospective Carlton coach and do you remember the chain of events leading to his appointment?

A: After our crushing loss to Richmond by seven goals in the Qualifying Final and the even greater disaster against Collingwood in the First Semi I knew that to win the Premiership we had to have a very successful, experienced coach who could bring out the world class ability that we squandered in 1980. The Committee wanted to give Perc another chance as one of the club’s most favoured sons. I was the only person opposed to his re-appointment. It was obvious that we needed Barassi or Parkin, both Premiership coaches. I first went after Barassi and had secret meetings in my Collins Street office which was embarrassingly discovered by Channel 10. Barassi decided to return to Melbourne so I turned to Parkin. He was interested. On the morning of the decisive committee vote I knew the count was 7 for Perc and 5 for Parkin. I met Perc at lunch to tell him it was my opinion that to maximise the team’s talent we needed a Premiership coach and tonight I wanted Parkin selected. Perc was not happy. On the way to Princes Park for the fateful committee meeting I saw Percy Bentley, a former champion player, premiership coach and committee member. We talked and I convinced him to change his vote to Parkin. The vote was 6-6 and I used my casting vote to select Parkin as the 1981 coach. The rest, as they say, is history. There is no doubt that the 1981 and 1982 teams rank in the pantheon of the greatest League teams.

Q: What message would you like to convey to the players who represented Carlton in those famous back-to-back years? What was it about the Carlton of this period that made it such a success story?

A: It was an honour to be their President. We had such fun together – the team, committee, backroom staff (who were all honorary then) and the members – they loved their club and showed it . Those four years were some of the happiest, most eventful of my life.

Q: For the record, where are you now living and what are you doing professionally? Do you still keep abreast of Carlton’s performances and how often to you get back to take in a game?

A: I live in London, have been living in Europe for 23 years and am very active in the investment business. I read The Age daily online, so am reasonably up to date on activities. I also see some games on TV here and occasionally I come back for a Grand Final. I have mates who ran other clubs – Craig Kimberley at South Melbourne, Wayne Reid at Melbourne, Bob Ansett and Albert Mantello at North Melbourne and Lindsay Fox at St. Kilda, and they also keep me up to date. I came home for the 1981 and ’82, 25th Anniversary celebrations, and when ‘Fitzy’ (Mike Fitzpatrick), (David) Parkin and I spoke to the boys it was just like it was yesterday. They haven’t changed. I am so proud of them

The Spirit of Carlton Past and Present would like to congratulate Jeanne Pratt AC for joining the board of the Carlton Football Club and becoming Senior Vice President.

From CarltonFC.com.au

The Carlton Football Club is pleased to announce Jeanne Pratt AC has accepted an invitation to join the board as Senior Vice President.

“We are thrilled Jeanne has accepted this invitation from the Club and know she will provide tremendous expertise in a number of areas, including membership and business development, that will assist the Carlton Football Club going forward,” said Carlton President, Stephen Kernahan.

“Jeanne Pratt has been a long time supporter of the Carlton Football Club, in her own right as well as in conjunction with her late husband Richard. The Pratt name is synonymous with the Carlton Football Club through a 60 year association.

“In 2009, following the passing of Richard, Jeanne was made the Patron of the Carlton Football Club and has continued to provide advice and support in this role. Jeanne’s interests, as well as her obvious business acumen, have been helping build the Club membership and supporter base.

“In her role as Patron of the Club Jeanne has continued to provide advice and ideas on an informal basis and she has previously expressed a desire to be more involved. This appointment to the board, in the role of Senior Vice President, provides a more formal involvement with the Carlton Football Club, ensuring women are included in every aspect of the Club, and it further enhances the long relationship Jeanne and the Pratt family has had with Carlton,” added Kernahan.

“I’ve accepted this draft because it gives minority groups, which in this case are women and the old, a voice in football,” Jeanne said.

This is the beginning of a series where we acknowledge the birthdays of some of Carlton’s past players. Feel free to use the comments section to provide your memories of each player. Many happy returns to everyone featured here.

17th March

Dean Rice

Dean Rice was picked up by the Blues with Pick 19 of the 1994 Pre-Season Draft. Originally from St Kilda, Rice hurt his knee in 1992 and was let go by the Saints, despite playing 116 games, mainly on the wing. Prior to the Saints, he played with the Geelong U/19’s and Reserves, this was the club that his uncle Colin Rice played with in the 1963 Premiership. He played his junior footy with Essex Heights which was Richmond FC’s fourths, in his last year of high school he played with Longwood in the Benalla District League with his brothers who used to travel up there each weekend.

The blonde haired right footer was picked up the Blues despite the injury and set about resurrecting his career in the Navy Blue. And then, versus the Tigers in Round 8, 1994, Rice was picked for his first game. It was a promising start – playing from the forward pocket, Rice was leading hard and fast up ground and providing another option in the forward line. But then, and I can remember how sick I felt, let alone “Ricey”, Rice hurt his knee yet again, and was out for the season. He showed enough in less than a half of football to be persevered with and he returned to full fitness in 1995, playing his first senior game exactly one year later in Round 7. He played all but one of the remaining games that year, including the victorious Grand Final, mainly as a half forward. He kicked 21 goals from 18 games that year.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Dean+Rice

Glenn Hawker

Glenn Hawker, was recruited from Kaniva, he was one of Essendon’s prime movers throughout the Bombers’ string of finals appearances from 1981 to 1986. A hard-running ball magnet with excellent disposal skills, his fine career at Windy Hill brought him two Premiership medals, three Victorian state team appearances, and Essendon’s Best and Fairest award in 1986. In 1988, after 200 games and 172 goals for the Bombers, Hawker was traded to Carlton for our National Draft selection numbers 12 and 26. Essendon used these picks to draft Brad Fox (who subsequently played 12 senior games) and David Regan (who wasn’t selected at senior level). Hawker spent his final three seasons of elite level football at Carlton, playing 27 games and scoring 26 goals at a time when the Blues languished on the lower rungs of the competition ladder. These numbers alone show that Carlton had the better of this particular deal, but there can also be little doubt that Hawker’s professional attitude set a fine example for future stars like Brett Ratten, Fraser Brown, Michael Sexton and Ang Christou – all of whom were recruited to the Blues during Hawker’s time at Princes Park.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Glenn+Hawker

18th March

Ross Ditchburn

Ross “Farmer” Ditchburn was a tall, long-kicking forward from country Western Australia who topped Carlton’s goal-kicking list in 1982, played in a Grand Final, was knocked unconscious – and still picked up a Premiership medal. He spent just two seasons with the Blues, yet left his mark in 28 games that produced 91 goals.

In 1981, Ditchburn was the 24 year-old captain-coach of his hometown football club at Kukerin, in WA’s wheat belt south of Perth. His family were pillars of the local community and ran a large property outside the town. He had played WAFL football at Claremont, but by then Ross was a star of the strong local league; a powerful key forward with vice-like hands and a right foot that could, the locals said; “boot a bag of spuds over a wheat silo”.

One day, the Ditchburns had visitors – all the way from the other side of the country. Carlton coach David Parkin and Recruiting Manager Shane O’Sullivan had come to Kukerin with an offer that the big bloke found tough to resist, and that his parents encouraged him to accept. After tea and scones in the Ditchburn’s kitchen, Parkin and O’Sullivan left with the promise that Ross would be at Princes Park the following year…

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Ross+Ditchburn

21st March

Steve Da Rui

Steven Da Rui came to Carlton from East Perth in 1987 with good mate Richard Dennis. But it wasn’t until 1988 from where he had established a reputation as a reliable, hard, and honest performer. Originally a ruck-rover, he settled on a half-back flank for the Blues and proved a handy acquisition in his 55 games over four seasons. He was a great exponent of the legal ‘hip and shoulder’ – as evidenced when he once knocked out Melbourne’s Greg Healy with a perfectly-delivered shirtfront in a match at Princes Park. In the same season he also cleaned up opposition captains in Hawthorn’s Michael Tuck and Essendon’s Terry Daniher – a nice little trifecta.

A solid unit at 183 cm and 85 kg, Da Rui was no racehorse, but he ran all day. He was also a strong mark, and a fierce tackler who revelled in the physical challenges. He played off the bench throughout Carlton’s 1988 finals campaign, and represented WA against Victoria in 1990.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Steve+Da+Rui

It was almost like old times at Princes Park on Saturday afternoon. All that was needed was the results of the other five games on the old scoeboard, the raffle results and of course the quaddie. Perhaps the club could organise for someone to walk along the boundary selling peanuts in paper bags to really bring back the memories.

Below are some of the reactions from the practise match.

Jeff Garlett interviewed post match for CFCTV.

[youtube width=”640″ height=”390″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbHC4ccTk84[/embedyt]

AFLPhotos from the match

From The Age: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/cats-save-best-form-until-the-very-last-20110312-1bsad.html

Carlton wasted chances in the early part of both the first and last terms; similar to its effort against Collingwood in the opening NAB Cup match.

”I think it was a reality check that the game goes for the full 120 minutes and work-rate is really important,” Carlton coach Brett Ratten said. ”It probably just leaves a bit of a sour taste in the mouth [after] an outstanding pre-season.

”We knew we’d feel a bit heavy in the legs but I just thought across the board, we shouldn’t have lost that game and we did.”

ACP Photography pics from the match.

Yonniboys pics as usual are great.

 

Link to CFCTV highlights of the game.

Australia’s third oldest city, Launceston is of course the home to Boag’s Brewery. You might not know that it was also the first Australian city to be serviced by undergound sewerage and the first to be lit by hydroelectricity. It has also been home to men who crossed the Tasman to play footy for the mighty Blues. We highlight a few here …

Stan McKenzie

A tall, versatile player from Launceston, Tasmania, Stan McKenzie spent just one season with Carlton Football Club in our Premiership year of 1914. He played 14 consecutive matches for the Blues, before losing his place in the team on the eve of that years’ Grand Final. Twelve months later, he died of illness while on active service with the AIF in Egypt.

He was outstanding in the centre, or as a follower in the Launceston Blues’ 1909 and 1913 NTFA Premiership teams, and also represented Tasmania in the 1911 Carnival in Adelaide. In the summer of 1912-13, he completed a unique double when he scored an impressive 59 runs for the Tasmanian cricket team in a match against the touring English Test squad in Launceston.

Stan’s credentials attracted many of the VFL teams to his door, but it was his former Launceston team-mate, George Challis, who eventually convinced him to join the Old Dark Navy Blues in 1914. McDonald was given the number 27 guernsey for his debut match against Geelong at Corio Oval in June. Named in a forward pocket, Stan joined a daunting attack that included Vin Gardiner at full-forward, George Topping in the other pocket and Challis at half-forward. Geelong weren’t ready to be intimidated however, and downed the Blues by 31 points in a high standard match.

Back in Melbourne, as the call to arms in defence of the Empire echoed across the country, Carlton recovered from some early setbacks to finish minor premiers over South Melbourne, Fitzroy and Geelong. Then the Blues leapt to favouritism for the Premiership with an emphatic 20 point victory over Fitzroy in one Semi Final. All that was then required was for the Blues to beat South Melbourne in the Final.

Alas, that didn’t happen. Showers swept across the MCG all match, and the Bloods adapted better to the conditions to beat Carlton by 19 points in a scrappy affair. Had South Melbourne finished as minor premiers, the 1914 Premiership would have been headed to the Lake Oval. But The Blues exercised their right under the VFL rules of the day, and challenged South Melbourne to a Grand Final rematch.

Stan McKenzie had been hardly sighted in the Preliminary Final, although he did manage one of Carlton’s three goals from a half-forward flank. On the Thursday night prior to the Grand Final, Stan and winger Frank Triplett paid the price of that defeat, and were left out of the team. Alf Baud and George Calwell were named in their place, and Carlton turned the tables in a thriller to win our fourth flag by six points.

Soon after that bitter-sweet game, Stan enlisted in the First AIF as a medical orderly. He spent some months tending to Australian casualties on the Gallipoli Peninsula, (where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant) and late in 1915 was posted to the 2/2nd Clearing Hospital at Alexandria, Egypt.

While serving there, he suffered a severe attack of appendicitis and, although the best possible medical facilities were on hand, Stan died on December 8, 1915.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Stan+McKenzie

Pat Farrelly

A tall, well-credentialled ruckman-forward from Launceston, Tasmania, Pat Farrelly played seven games and booted seven goals in his one season at Carlton in 1937. The following year he was ‘swapped’ to South Melbourne for Brighton Diggins, who stood out of football for twelve months before becoming Carlton’s captain-coach, and leading the Blues to the 1938 Premiership.

Somewhat ironically, Farrelly made his senior debut for Carlton against South Melbourne at the Lakeside Oval in round 12, 1937. Playing in the ruck and resting at full-forward, he booted two of the Blues’ seven goals for the match. His best return of four majors came a fortnight later, in Carlton’s round 14 victory over Melbourne at Princes Park.

Farrelly was cleared to South Melbourne in 1938. The Swans used him almost exclusively as a tap ruckman, so he added just one more goal to his career tally. In 1939 he moved on to VFA club Camberwell for greater reward, and played there until he enlisted in the Australian Army in 1941. Throughout World War II, Farrelly served on home soil as a signaller.

He returned home safely, and later found work on the Melbourne waterfront through his former Carlton team-mate and close friend, Jim Francis. A long and peaceful life ensued, until August 6, 2007, when Patrick Stanley Farrelly passed away at the age of 94.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Pat+Farrelly

Robert Dutton

After three years with Launceston in Tasmania, where he had played in a Premiership side and won a club Best and Fairest, ‘Major’ Dutton came to Carlton in 1979. His 192 cm frame ran out in the Carlton number 17 guernsey for his only game in season 1981.

His second and final League appearance was with Hawthorn – against Carlton in Round 14, 1982. The Hawks won by 34 points that day, but Carlton had sweet revenge by knocking them out of that year’s Preliminary Final before beating Richmond for yet another flag. Dutton parted ways with the Hawks at the end of the season and played for Clarence (Tasmania) in 1983.

From: http://www.blueseum.org/tiki-index.php?page=Robert+Dutton

There is only one month to go until the SOC holds a special function in Perth to coincide with the Blues playing Collingwood. It is not too late to book your seat. The details of the event are as follows:

In exciting news for WA blues supporters the Spirit of Carlton will be holding a matchday function in Perth on the day of the big Carlton vs Collingwood clash on the 8th of April. Perth Blues supporters are some of the most passionate and dedicated in the land and this event is sure to be very popular. So get in quick and secure your seat to enjoy another quality Spirit of Carlton event.

Your Host: Jon Dorotich

1987 Premiership Player for Carlton

1986-1993, 132 games, 103 goals

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.

Guests: Wayne Harmes

Premiership Player: 1979, 1981, 1982
Norm Smith Medal: 1979
Victorian Representative : 1979, 1986
Carlton Hall of Fame (2000)

Like his predecessors Fred Stafford and Ted Hopkins, Wayne Harmes will forever be remembered for one inspirational passage of play in Carlton’s 1979 Grand Final victory over Collingwood. On that wet, cold day before 112,000 fans at the MCG, Carlton started warm favourites. But in a tough, slogging match, the Magpies simply refused to be shaken off. With only minutes remaining, the Blues were in front by just four points, with the black & whites finishing hard and looking a big chance to snatch victory. Enter Wayne Harmes. After playing superbly all day, he gathered the ball at half-forward, only to see his kick slew off his boot and skid toward the boundary in Carlton’s forward pocket. Instantly, he turned and chased, dived, and with a desperate round-arm swipe at the ball, knocked it into the goal square. Waiting there, clear of any opponent, was rover Ken Sheldon – who gleefully goaled to win another flag for the Navy Blues.

Alex Marcou

Premiership Player: 1979, 1981, 1982
Carlton Hall of Fame (2006)

Alex Marcou was a member of Carlton’s fabled mosquito fleet of brilliant small men of the 1970’s and ‘80’s, and a three-time Premiership rover for the Blues. Recruited within the Blues recruiting zone, from northern suburban VAFA club Thomastown, he was among four first-gamers for Carlton in the opening round of the 1979 season. The others were Wayne Johnston, Robbert Klomp and Peter Francis; all of whom were destined for Premiership glory. Marcou was a lightning-quick rover with sure ball-handling skills and excellent goal sense. Aged 20 on debut, by mid-season in ‘79 he was a regular in a powerful Blues combination that topped the ladder, then went on to beat Collingwood by 5 points in a see-sawing Grand Final on a boggy MCG. It was the perfect culmination to a great first year for the 178 cm, 76 kg speedster wearing number 34, and he was widely regarded as Recruit of the Year.

Des English

Career : 1980 – 1987
Games : 104
Goals : 6
Premiership Player : 1981 & 1982

Another in a long line of courageous, reliable and tough back-pockets for the Blues, Des English was a valuable contributor in three Carlton Grand Final teams, including the 1981 and ’82 Premiership sides. One of the most respected players of his era, he was, sadly, forced into premature retirement when he was diagnosed with leukaemia.

English came to Carlton from Bendigo League club Eaglehawk in 1980, following in the footsteps of champion rover Rod Ashman. Like “Ashy”, Des had also won the Two Blues’ Best & Fairest award, and was a regular Bendigo League representative, usually at half-back. At Carlton he found a niche in the back pocket, and began consolidating his place in one of the league’s power teams.

Date : 8th of April 2011.

Time : 12.30pm – 3.30pm

Venue: South Perth Bowling Club – Mends St, Sth Perth

Cost: $100.00 per person, Includes meal, beer, wine and soft drink.

Hosted by Jon Dorotich, join Alex Marcou, Des English, & Wayne Harmes for this very special event and 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.

Please CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ORDER FORM to get your seat!

 Lifelong Blues supporter Mick Johnston celebrated his 90th birthday recently. The Spirit of Carlton would like to extend our best wishes to Mick and many happy returns. Mick is a veteran of World War II, in particular he was one of the famous ‘Rats of Tobruk’ who fought so bravely in holding off Rommel, the Desert Fox in the sands of Libya.

While Mick celebrated with family and friends in an RSL hall he was presented with a Carlton Football Club birthday card which had been signed by past and present players of the club. From all reports Mick was thrilled with his present. The Spirit of Carlton is delighted to have played a small part in celebrating Micks special day. We would like to thank Lisa Domican who contacted the Spirit of Carlton with an idea for her grandfather’s 90th birthday. Lisa is the creator of the Grace App, which is an iPhone application designed to help Autistic children communicate more freely.

http://graceappforautismoniphone.blogspot.com/

It was like old times at Visy Park on friday when a big crowd of eager Blues supporters braved the cold and drizzle to watch the latest installment of pre-season 2011. The Blue boys put on a good display by overcoming Adelaide, in particular Chris Yarran dazzled opponents all afternoon with some scintillating dashes off half back. As usual I have wandered far and wide around the internet jungle to bring you some of the colour and comment from our latest game.

There were lots of people taking photos on the day and we have quite a few albums which have been uploaded.

Nice slideshow of over 100 photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oaks101/sets/72157626193275782/show/

Official CFC photos of the day: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=292494&id=108959538333

Some pics from ACP Photography: http://www.flickr.com/photos/acphotography18/archives/date-posted/2011/03/04/

Gerald Bartels take of the day: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=377463&id=527572574

CFCTV interviewed ‘Dangles’ Armfield after the game.

Herald Sun Article: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/double-blow-for-crows/story-e6frf9jf-1226016034677

CFC Article written by Jason Phelan: http://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/4311/newsid/108790/default.aspx

 Over at TalkingCarlton, the poster aboynamedsue had this to say:

The 3 players who brought a smile to my face yesterday were Yarran, Hammer & Duigan. Yarran looks a million bucks at the moment. His run out of defence and ball use was first class. Hammer carried the can in the ruck in the 2nd half after Warnock went off early in the 3rd term. I think Warnock might have suffered a minor injury and was kept off the ground for the rest of the 2nd half as a precaution (by the way, I thought Warnock was fairly dominant in the ruck in the 1st half – made one or two clangers with the ball, but he controlled the ruck contests well). We’ve been saying for a few years now that Hammer will be handful if/when the marks start sticking…well, he clunked a few beauties yesterday and his workrate was excellent. And Duigan….looked very determined to have an impact yesterday (obviously fighting for a spot in the Rd 1 team + I suspect he wanted to prove a point to the Crows…) and I think those that compare him to Andrew McKay are pretty close to the mark. Time will tell if he gets to the AA level that Macca did, be he certainly seems a similar type player to Macca. Pencil him in for Round 1 now.

At Carlton Supporters Club, the poster Baggers2011 observed:

Although we have to temper pre season games with the reality of just what it is – a pre-season game, I really saw positives in our effort against Adelaide.

Adelaide came to play and they were crisp, purposeful, smart and direct…early, and also early in the 3rd. During this time they were all over us. We looked like a gangly teenager trying to come to grips with his growing body. But mostly, we worked hard and maximized our opportunities.

When we consider that we were minus around 6 players in our best 22, I was cautiously optimistic in regards our application and response to being down. This time last year, Adelaide got over us and at times on Friday it looked like they would again. I thought the difference this year compared to last was a few defenders who made good decisions under pressure and delivered the pill with precision – an imperative in a top team.

Specifically – Laidler (what a deadly left foot), Diugan (continues to impress, though looked a little lost at times) and White – his attack on the aggot and opponent is great. Jamison seems to be learning (I bet one ex ColliWobbler, G. Brown is having an impact there!!) though he must stop giving away free kicks – this will be the make or break year for Jammo. And then there was Yarran…he’ll cop a negating forward for sure, but dream on opponents, this guy will grow and find a way to cut a swathe through many a defensive press.