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!