By Tony De Bolfo

“Ron Barassi was the best thing that happened to Carlton in 150 years . . . other than Chris Judd coming.”

The speaker is Adrian Gallagher – Carlton’s Team of the 2oth Century’s No.1 rover – and with John Nicholls and Sergio Silvagni a member of what was, and perhaps still remains, football’s greatest following division.

Wearing the No.10 made famous by the late John James and now donned by Matthew Watson, Adrian Gallagher is the only man in this club’s history to have represented Carlton at all levels – Under 15s, Under 16s, Under 17s, Under 19s, reserves and seniors. His 165 games over nine seasons also took in the Premierships of 1968, ’70 and ’72 . . . but don’t bother asking ‘Gags’ to name a favourite.

As he said: “Premierships are like children – you can’t pick your favourite”.

Adrian Gallagher recently gave up his time for what was the first of a series of podcasts exclusively for www.carltonfc.com.au. To hear Adrian talk of the great Ronald Dale, the Premierships and today’s Carlton team, click here.

Follow Tony De Bolfo on Twitter: @CFC_DeBolfo