Author: Jamie Sanderson

The 2009 AGM was held on Mon, April 6 2009 with around 40 enthusiastic members in attendance. Key “Rules and Constitution” amendment resolutions relating to the objectives of the SOC, the executive committee structure and financial and taxation compliance, were passed. These amendment resolutions are contained in this site. Please click here to read the document.

The 2009 Annual Report is now available to members and can be read by clicking here.

The 2008 Annual Report is also now on this site. Please click here to read the document

Newsletters

• No. 1 – March 2008
• No. 2 – May 2008
• No. 3 – December 2008

I was thrilled to be present at the 2009 Australian Football Hall of Fame Induction Dinner to witness the induction of our SOC father figure, the great Ken Hands. Ken has been a great inspiration and support to many past and current Carlton players for more than fifty years. He has a great love for and insight into our wonderful game

Congratulations to Ken and his family, many of whom were present and celebrated with him on his special night.

Geoff Southby

The Spirit of Carlton recently held it’s annual Golf Day on the 3rd of February this year. The day is designed to bring Carlton past and present day players together to help re-affirm and enhance the culture of the Carlton Football Club.

The day began overcast but warm and upon arrival it was clear that the Keysborough Golf Course was in magnificent condition. After registration it was off to the marquee where club legends and life members, Wayne ‘Bulldog’ Gilbert and Alan Espie were manning the BBQ with great skill. While tucking into a scrumptious hamburger a large crowd of supporters, and current and past players had gathered around and were enjoying conversation and good food.

You could throw a blanket over half a dozen premiership players at any one time. Stars of the club such as Tom Alvin, Syd Jackson, Adrian Gleeson, David Parkin and many more mingled amongst the crowd.

After a while everyone assigned a buggy was marshalled to an area where what looked like a 100 golf buggies were parked. It was a sight to behold, when they all took off heading for their individual holes I imagined it would be appropriate for a loud rendition of Flight of the Valkyries.

The less said about the golf the better from a personal perspective. However what was fantastic was the company and comradeship of playing a round of golf with fellow Blues. Also, a wonderful effort from Joe Anderson and Steven Browne who drove the ‘drinks’ buggy all around the course offering refreshments for everyone. They must have covered many kilometres and they always seemed to turn up just at the right time when a thirst needed to be quenched.

After the golf it was time for dinner and the pre dinner drinks and nibblies at the bar were most welcome for some weary golf legs. Once again the room was awash with premiership glory.

After being welcomed by Geoff Soutby and MC, Drew Morphett the guests were treated to excellent speeches by Michael Sexton and Chris Judd. The night also featured some comedy from Ray Gilson and an Auction to raise further money for the players. The spirit in the room was one of great joy and friendship topped off by a magnificent rendition of the Club Song which the whole room heartily sang lead by Stephen Kernahan, Geoff Southby, Robert Walls and Jimmy Buckley. Not a bad chorus there with 10 premiership medallions between them.

Congratulations to the team lead by Matthew Lappin who took out the days major prize with an excellent round of golf. As you can see they were happy with the win and by the sound of Matthew Lappin’s speech they are hungry for another win in the 2010 golf day.

The Spirit of Carlton would like to thank all the sponsors for helping make the day possible in particular the primary sponsors of the Golf Day, Programmed Facility Management.

All in all a wonderful event and a very enjoyable day.