Author: Jamie Sanderson

The 19th of June has been a day of memorable games for the Carlton Football Club, including our first ever win!

1897, Round 6

Carlton 1.1 7 3.4 22 4.5 29 5.5 35 St Kilda 1.0 6 1.4 10 3.6 24 3.6 24	Venue: Junction Oval	Date: June 19, 1897
Result: Win by 11 points	Umpire: Hood	Crowd:
Goalkickers: S.Chapman 4, B.Woodhouse 1.
Best: J.Roberts, E.Walton, B.Hannah, B.Weir, B.Woodhouse, B.Walsh, T.Blake, W.O’Cock

 

Carlton faced up to this game having been spanked by Melbourne the previous week, and knowing that the loser would be consigned to the bottom of the ladder. St Kilda had difficulty fielding 20 players, so it was no surprise that the Blues ran out winners for the first time in a VFL match.

The match itself was a rough affair, but better than the previous games between the two sides in that it was fought in good spirit. The Argus quaintly reported it as follows: “Why these two clubs should be such bitter opponents is a mystery, because the players individually are good friends, and the survivors usually ask each other to tea, and are most considerate to the wounded”.

Carlton celebrated the win knowing that their next match, only three days later, would be against Collingwood at Princes Park, the first time the club would play at a the ground destined to become our spiritual home.

Next time you drive past the Junction Oval, spare a thought for the history in Carlton’s first win there.

1909 Round 9

Carlton 3.3 21 4.6 30 5.12 42 6.14 50 Essendon 0.4 4 1.5 11 1.7 13 4.9 33	Venue: Princes Park	Date: 19 June 1909
Result: Win by 17 points	Umpire:	Crowd:
Goalkickers: F.Caine 2, H.Kelly 2, V.Gardiner 1, G.Topping 1.
Reports: Frank Caine (Unduly Roughing-up Bill Busbridge) – Not Guilty and (Striking Billy Griffith) – 2 Matches

 

A new grandstand opened at Princes Park, built at a cost of 2500 pounds and seating 1400 with standing in front.

Grand new stands opened for huge crowd comfort
The big crowds have put ground managers under a lot of pressure, and Carlton and Collingwood have responded with new grandstands. The Carlton stand, which will seat 1400 people, was opened today by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Cr James Burston, before a group of dignitaries and the big crowd who had come to see the Carlton and Essendon game, which Carlton fittingly won by 17 points. The President of Carlton, John Urquhart, said Carlton was the second oldest club in Melbourne and had a membership of 5,000. It was surprising that it had been without a grandstand for so long. – 100 Years of Australian Rules Football

 1915, Round 9

Carlton 2.3 15 2.8 20 2.10 22 5.15 45 St Kilda 1.1 7 1.1 7 1.1 7 1.1 7	Venue: Junction Oval	Date: June 19, 1915
Result: Win by 38 points	Umpire:	Crowd:
Goalkickers: V.Gardiner 3, H.Haughton 1, A.Sharp 1

 

In an amazing scoreline, Carlton held St Kilda score-less for 3 quarters to take this game by 38 points and keep second spot on the VFL ladder.

1971, Round 12

Carlton 3.5 23 7.10 52 8.12 60 16.18 114 Nth Melbourne 2.1 13 2.1 13 3.4 22 3.5 23	Venue: Princes Park	Date: June 19, 1971
Result: Win by 91 points	Umpire: M.Marks	Crowd: 13,300
Goalkickers: R.McLean 7, J.Nicholls 4, P.Hall 2, S.Silvagni 1, G.Crane 1, R.Walls 1.
Best: J.Nicholls (BOG), G.Southby, R.McLean, B.Gill, S.Silvagni, J.O’Connell.
Reports: Nil
Injuries: I.Robertson (bruised shoulder), A.Jesaulenko (groin – replaced in selected side)

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Carlton’s premiership defence had started shakily some 3 months earlier with a shock loss to 1970 wooden-spooners North, but revenge was taken at the first opportunity as the Blues delivered an old-fashioned hiding to the Kangaroos in the return match at Princes Park.

After the Shinboners showed some resistance in the first quarter they were over-run to the tune of 13-13 to 1-4 over the final three stanzas.

Big John controlled the skies and Ricky McLean produced possibly his best game for Carlton at full-forward (strangely enough in his second-last match for the club). But Geoff Southby, still in his first season, was the real star of the show. Geoff had the crowd swooning with his glorious display at full-back. The Blues had surely uncovered a defender for the ages.

 1982, Round 13

Carlton 0.4 4 3.11 29 7.18 60 12.26 98 Collingwood 3.3 21 3.7 25 7.12 54 9.17 71	Venue: Princes Park	Date: June 19, 1982
Result: Win by 27 points	Umpires: N.Nash & K.Smith	Crowd: 30,346 Receipts $48,719
Goalkickers: P.Bosustow 2, W.Johnston 2, P.Maylin 1, R.Ashman 1, J.Buckley 1, R.Klomp 1, F.Marchesani 1, S.Kourkoumelis 1, A.Marcou 1, M.Maclure 1.
Best; J.Buckley, R.Klomp, A.Marcou, D.Glascott, W.Harmes.
Reports: Nil	Injuries: Nil

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A tight first three quarters on a very windy day gave rise to a strong finish by the Blues which finished the Pies off.

Something else was finished off this day – a pie stand caught on fire, providing some strong memories to those present.

Vasil Varlamos: 17th June

Career : 1960 – 1964
Debut : Round 9, 1960 vs North Melbourne, aged 18 years, 1 day
Carlton Player No. 735
Games : 44
Goals : 0
Last Game : Round 15, 1964 vs Footscray, aged 22 years, 45 days
Guernsey No. 32
Height : 178 cm ( 5 ft. 11 in.)
Weight : 80 kg (12 stone, 8 lbs.)
DOB : June 17, 1942

Vasil Varlamos, who was born in Broken Hill, NSW, had a relatively short, yet eventful career at Princes Park from 1960 to ’64. A typically rugged half-back flanker of that time, he earned the career-long enmity of Essendon supporters when he ironed out the Bombers’ captain Jack Clarke in a 1962 late-season game.

On that occasion, he ran straight through Clarke at a centre bounce – knocking the Essendon skipper out cold. As trainers tried to bring Clarke around, the Baggers were hard-pressed protecting Varlamos from a squadron of Bombers hell-bent on revenge. When Clarke did eventually regain his senses in the middle of the melee, he immediately began raining blows on the nearest player – who just happened to be his team-mate Graeme Johnstone!

Vasil had come to Carlton from Mentone, and played his debut match in 1960. A stocky, hard-at-it type with good concentration and plenty of ticker, his first two seasons were his best, culminating in the 1962 Grand Final against – you guessed it – Essendon. Varlamos was kept out of the fray early as 19th man, but then took little part as the Bombers gleefully beat the Blues by 32 points. Following that defeat, Carlton went into decline and in 1964, Vasil’s tenure at Carlton ended when he was cleared to the fledgling VFA club Waverley.

It was fortuitous move indeed for Vasil, because the emerging Panthers were a revelation in their debut year, and swept to their first senior Premiership with a gutsy 12 point win over hot favourites Port Melbourne. Varlamos was rock solid at half-back in that victory, and went on to become one of the clubs’ favourite sons. Ironically, the Waverley colours were the same as Essendon’s.

In the 70s and 80s, Vas’ Father owned a fish and chip shop in Hughesdale, where he proudly displayed images of his son. A typically proud Greek father, he was always up for a chat about the Blues while frying up your potato cakes!

John Benetti: 17th June

Career : 1958 –65
Debut : Round 3, 1958 vs Geelong
Carlton Player No. 714
Games : 88
Goals : 15
Guernsey No. 8
Last Game: Round 16, 1965 vs Collingwood
Height : 177cm
Weight : 80kg
DOB : 17 June, 1937

Having been an integral part of the successful Parade CBC football team, John Benetti fancied himself as a VFL footballer. His cousin, Sergio Silvagni was also a dominant player in that same school team.

After much convincing from John, Serge thought he might also make it at the top level, so together they decided to approach the Carlton Football Club for a game. Both impressed in their first “walk off the street” session and were quickly assigned to train with the club. While Serge trained with the under 19s, John was sent to the Reserves.

Unfortunately, after John played one Reserve game in 1955 he was called back to play for Parade (school rules) and was therefore not permitted to play any further Carlton games for that year. He did his apprenticeship in the Reserves during 1956 and 1957, playing some exciting football for which he scored many “best” mentions from sporting journalists. However, his progress was interrupted by foot trouble, culminating in both the removal of a right foot toe nail and the top of one toe of the left foot, costing him many games in his second year.

He made his senior debut in 1958 and went on to play 88 games in the number 8 guernsey.

Brian Henderson: 18th June

Playing Career : 1964
Debut : Round 8, 1964 Aged 20 years 354 days
764th Carlton Player
Games : 2
Goals : 0
Last Game : Round 9, 1964 Aged 20 years 361 days
Guernsey No. 38
Height : 185 cm (6’1″)
Weight : 80.75 kgs (12.10)
DOB : June 18, 1943

Wearing guernsey #38 and listed at 185cm, Henderson played 2 consecutive games for Carlton after debuting in 1964.

Henderson was recruited from Brunswick City, he then graduated from the Blues U/19’s to senior ranks.

Unfortunatley we have little information about Brian Henderson. If anyone has any photos or further information about Brian Henderson please contact the Blueseum. Thanks to the Blueseum for player pictures and bios.

Please use the comments section at the bottom of this article to pass on your best wishes to Brent.

Brent Heaver

Career: 1992-1996
Debut: Round 15, 1992 vs Richmond
986th Carlton Player
Games: 64
Goals: 106
Last Game: Qualifying Final, 1996 vs West Coast
Guernsey No. 55 (2 games), 17 (62 games)
Height: 173cm
Weight: 73kg
DOB: 15 June, 1971

Brent Heaver was a right footed forward pocket / midfielder who played 64 games for Carlton in between 1992 and 1996. An opportunistic forward pocket with a flair for a goal on the run, Heaver wore the #17.

Heaver was originally from Melbourne, but Carlton recruited him from Epping. After a couple of seasons and 12 games / 12 goals with Melbourbe – including 5 in a game against the Blues in his league debut (in Round 11, 1990), he was delisted and picked up by the Blues in the 1992 Mid Season Draft.

Heaver played a significant role in our unsuccessful tilt at the 1993 Premiership with 48 goals from 23 games, a phenomenal output for a true pocket. At 173 centimetres and 73 kilos, Heaver was small but nimble. Despite his success in this year, Wanganeen of the Bombers would appear to have the edge over Heaver and “Heavs” would only kick 1 in the ’93 Grand Final.

Heaver played 15 games in 1994 for 24 goals, and only 5 in our 1995 Premiership year, with his last coming in Round 21. Despite 19 games in 1996, Heaver was traded to the incoming Port Adelaide Power in return for the untried South Australians Andrew Balkwill and Ben Nelson. Heaver would play 2 seasons for the Power before retiring at the end of 1998. In total, his league career game total at his three clubs were 84 games and 127 goals between 1990 and 1998.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pic and bio.

John Comben: 13th June

Career: 1963 – 1966
Debut: Round 1, 1963 v Fitzroy
Carlton Player No. 751
Games: 38
Goals: 11
Last game: Round 18, 1966 v Geelong
Guernsey No. 25
Height: 175cm
Weight: 70kg
DOB: 13 June, 1944

The younger brother of Carlton legend Bruce ‘Bugsy’ Comben, John was a fine footballer in his own right, but one who inevitably suffered from comparisons with his champion sibling in his four seasons at Princes Park. He was recruited from Werribee South.

While ‘Bugsy’ began his career as a rover before making the back pocket his domain, John played all of his football on a wing. Wearing guernsey number 25, he kicked 11 career goals in his 28 games. He crossed to Melbourne in 1967, but managed just one more senior game.

Adam Bentick: 13th June

Career : 2004 – 2008
Debut : Round 18, 2004 vs Fremantle, aged 19 years, 48 days
Carlton Player No. 1082
Games : 68
Goals : 13
Last Game : Round 22, 2008 vs Hawthorn, aged 23 years, 78 days
Guernsey Nos. 40 (2004-6), and 7 (2007-2009)
Height : 184 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 84 kg (12 stone, 8 lbs)
DOB : 13 June, 1985
AFL Rising Star Nomination: Round 20, 2005

Adam Bentick captained the Calder Cannons to a Premiership in the TAC Cup in 2003 (a year in which the Cannons only lost one game), then was drafted as a Rookie by Carlton and set about building an AFL career with the club he had barracked for as a kid. After a number of solid games at VFL level, “AB” was given the chance he craved. He played five matches for the Blues in his debut season, and was formally promoted from the Rookie List to the Seniors for 2005.

After a few appearances at the start of his second year, Bentick was dropped back to the seconds. But as Carlton’s season began to peter out, our youngsters were given more opportunities, and AB was promoted once more. Some great games, notably a 34-possession effort to be Best on Ground against Collingwood in round 20, and a 10-tackle game in our round 18 victory over the Tigers, saw AB rise in the estimations of the common fan. It seemed as though Carlton had finally unearthed another in-and-under, hard-working midfielder – someone with a bit of agro in their tackling to add some steel to the midfield group.

Tony Bourke: 13th June

Career: 1998-1999 (On list: 1995 -1999)
Debut: Round 13, 1998 vs Fremantle
1027th Carlton Player
Games: 4
Goals: Nil
Last Game: Round 5, 1999 vs Geelong
Guernsey No. 40
Height: 201 cm
Weight: 91 kg
DOB: 13 June, 1976

The word ‘Beanpole’ is often used in sport as it in in life, and let me tell you, Tony Bourke is the Carlton definition. Bourke was a 201cm ruckman who weighed just 91 kilos.

Bourke played 4 games for Carlton but was on the list for 5 years. He was drafted in the 1994 Draft at pick 67 but did not play his first senior game until Round 13, 1998– his only one for the year – failing to gather a possession and just a solitary hit out. He managed to play 3 games in 1999, from rounds 3-5, managing no more than 6 possessions and 15 hit outs in one of those games but otherwise failing to have much of an impact- only having the 2 kicks in his 4 game career. The presence of Madden and Allen and later Porter meant limited opportunity for Bourke in the seniors.

Bernie Baxter: 15th June

Career: 1949-51
Debut: Round 7, 1949 v St Kilda
Carlton Player No. 632
Games: 28
Goals: 22
Last game: Round 14, 1951 v Richmond
Guernsey No. 34
Height: 180cm
Weight: 80kg
DOB: 15 June, 1929

Baxter wore #34 in 28 games for Carlton, commencing in Season 1949. He booted 22 goals for the Blues and was recruited from Werribee. Baxter was a member of the reserves 1951 premiership team.

Baxter had 2 brothers who would also make it to the ‘big league’, with his brother Ken something of a goal-kicking fiend at Carlton and Bill, a prominent player for the Demons.

Brent Heaver: 15th June

Career: 1992-1996
Debut: Round 15, 1992 vs Richmond
986th Carlton Player
Games: 64
Goals: 106
Last Game: Qualifying Final, 1996 vs West Coast
Guernsey No. 55 (2 games), 17 (62 games)
Height: 173cm
Weight: 73kg
DOB: 15 June, 1971

Brent Heaver was a right footed forward pocket / midfielder who played 64 games for Carlton in between 1992 and 1996. An opportunistic forward pocket with a flair for a goal on the run, Heaver wore the #17.

Heaver was originally from Melbourne, but Carlton recruited him from Epping. After a couple of seasons and 12 games / 12 goals with Melbourbe – including 5 in a game against the Blues in his league debut (in Round 11, 1990), he was delisted and picked up by the Blues in the 1992 Mid Season Draft.

Heaver played a significant role in our unsuccessful tilt at the 1993 Premiership with 48 goals from 23 games, a phenomenal output for a true pocket. At 173 centimetres and 73 kilos, Heaver was small but nimble. Despite his success in this year, Wanganeen of the Bombers would appear to have the edge over Heaver and “Heavs” would only kick 1 in the ’93 Grand Final.

Heaver played 15 games in 1994 for 24 goals, and only 5 in our 1995 Premiership year, with his last coming in Round 21. Despite 19 games in 1996, Heaver was traded to the incoming Port Adelaide Power in return for the untried South Australians Andrew Balkwill and Ben Nelson. Heaver would play 2 seasons for the Power before retiring at the end of 1998. In total, his league career game total at his three clubs were 84 games and 127 goals between 1990 and 1998.

Garry Higgins: 15th June

Career: 1975 – 1976
Debut: Round 16, 1975 v St Kilda
Carlton Player No. 854
Games: 7
Goals: 0
Last Game: Round 11, 1976 v Footscray
Guernsey No. 29
Height: 180cm (5’11”)
Weight: 76kg (12.00)
DOB: 15 June, 1955

Gary Higgins was recruited from Maryborough / Maryborough Rovers and wore guernsey #29, he played 7 games for Carlton after debuting in Navy Blue in Season 1975.

Higgins was Carlton’s 5th debutant in 1975, after Mike Fitzpatrick, Russell Ohlsen, Wayne Deledio and Danny Halloran.

David Rhys-Jones: 16th June

Career : 1985-1992
Debut : Round 1, 1985 vs Footscray
Carlton Player No. 923
Games : 106
Goals : 73
Last Game : Round 24, 1992 vs West Coast
Guernsey No. 26
Height : 188cm
Weight : 73kg
DOB: 16 June, 1962
Premiership Player: 1987
Norm Smith Medal: 1987

Superbly skilled, fiery, volatile – these are all apt descriptions of the enigmatic David Rhys-Jones. Originally from Oakleigh Districts, Rhys-Jones was signed by South Melbourne as an 18 year-old and made his debut for them in 1980. At 188 cm and 73 kg, he quickly established himself as one of the game’s tallest and best wingmen. He had pace, balance and wonderful aerial skills – but his short fuse soon had him regularly before the tribunal, and he was not popular with opposition supporters.

When South Melbourne were transplanted to Sydney in the early eighties, Rhys-Jones was one of a handful of Swans who asked for a clearance. Eyebrows were raised when it was announced that “Reese” was on his way to Princes Park for the 1985 season. The news was not greeted warmly by many Blues’ supporters, and Rhys-Jones struggled for wide acceptance in his first two seasons – especially when some brilliant games were indispersed with continued suspensions.

All that changed however, on Grand Final day in 1987. Carlton coach Robert Walls created huge surprise early by assigning Rhys-Jones to Hawthorn’s trump card – their champion centre half-forward Dermott Brereton. The Hawks’ star was 2 cm shorter than Jones, 19 kg heavier, and a proven big match performer – but Rhys-Jones played superb, disciplined football all day and Brereton was hardly sighted. Carlton won its 15th Premiership by 33 points. Rhys-Jones won the Norm Smith Medal and the plaudits (at last) of every Carlton fan.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player info and pictures.

Tickets for Round 13, 19/6 Carlton V Sydney match at Etihad Stadium are now available. The cost is $50.00 per ticket due to an allocation of premium seating that we have been lucky enough to get, this includes entry to the ground and reserved seat, and finger food in the Spirit of Carlton room. Tickets will be sold on a first in best dressed basis. Justine Wratten will be unavailable by phone from 9-5 this week, please email your ticket requests and she will respond at night. You can call her to book tickets on 0438271948 but please understand she will be unable to answer and will return your call during the evening.

Round 8, 1909

Carlton 2.1 13 6.5 41 7.6 48 10.9 69 St Kilda 3.3 21 4.4 28 4.8 32 5.10 40	Venue: Junction Oval	Date: 12 June 1909
Result: Win by 29 points	Umpire:	Crowd:
Goalkickers: F.Caine 5, H.Kelly 3, G.Topping 2.

 

Round 8, 1915

Carlton 2.4 16 7.10 52 9.11 65 15.17 107 Richmond 4.2 26 4.2 26 7.5 47 8.5 53	Venue: Princes Park	Date: June 12, 1915
Result: Win by 54 points	Umpire:	Crowd:
Goalkickers: H.Burleigh 3, V.Gardiner 3, A.Sharp 3, P.Daykin 2, G.Challis 1, H.Haughton 1, J.Morris 1, V.Valentine 1.

 

Round 7, 1920

Carlton 3.5 23 5.7 37 10.13 73 11.13 79 Geelong 2.2 14 5.8 38 5.9 39 9.16 70	Venue: Corio Oval	Date: June 12, 1920
Result: Win by 9 points	Umpire:	Crowd:
Goalkickers: H.Clover 5, C.Fisher 2, L.Downs 1, S.McLatchie 1, F.Mercovich 1, J.Stephenson 1.

 

Round 9, 1967

Carlton 2.1 13 5.5 35 10.6 66 14.7 91 Richmond 4.4 28 7.8 50 9.12 66 13.15 93	Venue: Princes Park	Date: June 12, 1967
Result: Lose by 2 points	Umpire: Sheales	Crowd: 37,384
Goalkickers: I.Robertson 5, A.Jesaulenko 3, S.Silvagni 2, A.Gallagher 1, T.Board 1, V.Waite 1, B.Kekovich 1.
Reports:	Injuries:

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Game Review

One of the matches of the year, this thriller was played out in a finals atmosphere at Princes Park on the Queen’s Birthday holiday Monday. Little seperated the teams from the opening bounce, but when Ian Robertson burst through a pack and kicked a team-lifter deep into time-on in the last quarter, the Blues led by four points and seemed sure to hang on and win.
From the resulting centre ruck duel however, Richmond forced the ball forward to their star Royce Hart – who swooped on the ball and got a desperate kick away just as he was tackled. His miraculous kick cleared a big pack twenty metres out from the Tigers’ goal, and bounced through to give Richmond victory by two points!

Round 11, 1993

Carlton 4.1 25 7.4 46 14.9 83 17.16 118 Geelong 7.1 43 8.4 52 12.7 79 13.11 89	Venue: MCG	Date: June 12, 1993
Result: Win by 29 points	Umpires: H.Kennedy & G.Vernon	Crowd: 37,119 Gate: $167,350
Goalkickers: De Iulio, Kernahan 4, Gleeson 3, Bradley, Spalding 2, McKay, Alvin 1
Best: A.Gleeson, S.Kernahan, P.Dean, C.Bradley, M.Hanna, B.Sholl, T.Alvin, G.Williams.
Reports: Nil	Injuries: S.Silvagni (hamstring) replaced in selected side by S.Oliver.

 

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Game Review

Carlton would take on the Cats at the MCG in an important game for their 1993 season. With 5 or so teams sitting just outside of the Final 6, and the Cats sitting in 7th (Carlton at 10th), the Blues had to win this game to build up some confidence and stay in touch with ladder leaders North Melbourne, West Coast and Essendon.

Early on Geelong looked in control, particularly with the umpires gifting both Gary Ablett & Bill Brownless soft frees in front of goal. In the third quarter great long goals from both Andrew McKay & Craig Bradley who launched a torpedo on the run from 60 metres out, would see Carlton take control of the match & run out comfortable winners 

Round 11, 1993

Carlton 4.1 25 7.4 46 14.9 83 17.16 118 Geelong 7.1 43 8.4 52 12.7 79 13.11 89	Venue: MCG	Date: June 12, 1993
Result: Win by 29 points	Umpires: H.Kennedy & G.Vernon	Crowd: 37,119 Gate: $167,350
Goalkickers: De Iulio, Kernahan 4, Gleeson 3, Bradley, Spalding 2, McKay, Alvin 1
Best: A.Gleeson, S.Kernahan, P.Dean, C.Bradley, M.Hanna, B.Sholl, T.Alvin, G.Williams.
Reports: Nil	Injuries: S.Silvagni (hamstring) replaced in selected side by S.Oliver.

 

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Game Review

Carlton would take on the Cats at the MCG in an important game for their 1993 season. With 5 or so teams sitting just outside of the Final 6, and the Cats sitting in 7th (Carlton at 10th), the Blues had to win this game to build up some confidence and stay in touch with ladder leaders North Melbourne, West Coast and Essendon.

Early on Geelong looked in control, particularly with the umpires gifting both Gary Ablett & Bill Brownless soft frees in front of goal. In the third quarter great long goals from both Andrew McKay & Craig Bradley who launched a torpedo on the run from 60 metres out, would see Carlton take control of the match & run out comfortable winners.

Round 11, 1995

Carlton 4.1 25 8.4 52 11.8 74 16.16 112 Melbourne 5.1 31 8.4 52 10.7 67 12.8 80	Venue: MCG	Date: June 12, 1995
Result: Win by 32 points	Umpires: B.Allen, D.Howlett & T.Garrett.	Crowd: 53,290
Goalkickers: B.Pearce 4, S.Kernahan 3, A.Koutoufides 2, L.O’Sullivan 2, A.McKay 1, S.Camporeale 1, T.Lynn 1.
Best: A.Koutoufides, B.Ratten, P.Dean, B.Pearce, J.Madden, S.Camporeale.

By Tony De Bolfo

James Earl “Tubby” Clapton, a four-game player for Carlton in the immediate post-war year of 1946, has died at the age of 84.

Born in Melbourne and raised in North Coburg, Clapton was recruited to the club from neighbouring Merri juniors. His first senior appearance for the Blues coincided with their ninth round match of ’46 against Geelong at Princes Park in June of that year.

Also making his senior debut that day was Carlton’s Tom Eldridge, while the uncompromising captain Bob Chitty – recalled to the team having completed an eight-match suspension for his hand in the 1945 Bloodbath – was once again reported.

Carlton won the match by 39 points and Clapton – wearing the No.17 guernsey made famous by Charlie Davey, Gordon Collis and Brent Crosswell – booted three goals to be named by The Argus in his team’s best, together with Jack Howell, Jack Conley, Ken Baxter, Ollie Grieve, Ken Hands and the late Ray Garby.

Five days later Clapton was there again at Princes Park, this time playing his part in the team’s narrow four-point win over Footscray. He would then turn out for the 12th round match against South Melbourne at Princes Park (the Grand Final replay in which the home team took the honours by a solitary point) and front up for what was his last appearance – the 13th round match against Melbourne at Punt Road.

The Blues went down by 17 points that day . . . and the irrepressible Chitty copped another four matches for striking Fred Fanning.

Clapton’s son-in-law, the 303-game League field umpire Kevin Smith, said “Tubby”, who inherited his nickname for his portly frame, maintained an interest in the Blues well beyond his playing days.

“He certainly barracked for Carlton, and when I was an umpire I used to take him along each week to the game I was umpiring,” Smith said. “That included the ’79 Grand Final and I think he, like all Carlton supporters, was delighted with the outcome of that one.”

A knee injury incurred in his later on-field career at Coburg posed problems for Clapton in retirement, together with a hip injury suffered when the former foundry worker was hit by car whilst working on the roads for the local Broadmeadows council.

Clapton, who lived in Fawkner for more than 50 years, is survived by his wife Evelyn, daughter Jean, son-in-law Kevin and three grandchildren Lisa, Luke and Adam – the latter the former Victorian batsman and Northern Knights footballer. Jim is also survived by his great grandchildren Bree, Kye and Sage.

This article was first published on the Carlton Football Club Website.

Tickets for Round 12, 12/6 Carlton V Brisbane match at Etihad Stadium are now available. The cost is $50.00  per ticket due to an allocation of premium seating that we have been lucky enough to get, this includes entry to the ground and reserved seat, and finger food in the Spirit of Carlton room. Tickets will be sold on a first in best dressed basis. Justine Wratten will be unavailable by phone from 9-5 this week, please email me your ticket requests and I will respond at night. You can call me to book tickets on 0438271948 but please understand I will be unable to answer and will return your call during the evening.

 

Tickets are now available to our flagship annual Luncheon, this year celebrating the magnificent and gritty 1981 premiership against the Magpies.

Join with legends of the club and fellow supporters to experience this unique event.

 

 

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

To get your application form please download it using the following link.

http://spiritofcarlton.com/blog/wp-cont … ncheon.pdf

Don’t leave it too late as this is one the of the must see events of the year. Tickets will sell fast.

By Bernie Shackcloth

 The Spirit Of Carlton’s inaugural Darwin Luncheon was held at Kantilla’s Room at TIO Stadium on Friday 27 May. While the ‘81 & ‘82 premierships played on the big screen the 40 or so guests were greeted by Carlton greats GS, SJ, AM & VP on arrival.

As MC, Geoff Southby started by telling everyone about the history of SOC and what it had achieved already. Geoff related the story of how Malcolm Fraser became the No 1 ticket holder & assisted the Match Committee. Syd Jackson told us about his personal journey from the WA outback as a child to playing in front of 121,696 people at MCG in 1970. He talked about how the racial abuse from opposition supporters inspired him & his involvement with current indigenous Carlton players. Val Perovic offered an insight into the club when he arrived following the turbulent 1980 off-season. Alex Marcou had everyone in stitches with his fabulous story about visiting The Lodge following the 1981 & 1982 Grand Finals.

Geoff Southby MC’d a Q&A Panel, guests asked questions from the floor which ranged from “who was your toughest opponent?” to “ How do you get Val Perovic to tell a short story?”

The afternoon was finished with Val as Auctioneer, where every item was purchased by the enthusiastic crowd.  

Many guest then regrouped afterwards to cheer on the Blues to victory at Wisdom Bar in Mitchell Street.

All those privileged to attend are hoping this will be the first of many SOC visits to the Top End. Go Blues.  

CLICK HERE to see pictures from the event.