Justin Davies: 7th July

Career : 2002 – 2006
Debut : Round 7, 2002 vs Essendon, aged 18 years, 307 days
Carlton Player No. 1055
Games : 41
Goals : 20
Last Game : Round 22, 2005 vs North Melbourne, aged 22 years, 52 days
Guernsey Nos. 13 (2002-04), and 7 (2005-06)
Height : 184 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 73 kg (11 stone, 7 lbs.)
DOB : 7 July, 1983

Selected by Carlton at pick 39 in the 2001 National Draft, Justin Davies showed glimpses of real ability throughout his four seasons at Princes Park – but lingering episodes of self-doubt, and a string of injuries at the wrong time, prevented him from realising his full potential.

Davies’ pathway to Carlton led from Shepparton East , then Shepparton United through to the Murray Bushrangers Under 18’s. He was still a few weeks short of his 19th birthday when he made his senior debut (off the interchange bench) for the Blues against Essendon in round 7, 2002 at the MCG. Seen as a potential midfield regular by the Blues, he managed six games for the year, but just couldn’t string matches together because of illness, hamstring and quadricep injuries. It was a horror season for Carlton – the worst in our proud history – and Davies’ experience was typical of our younger brigade.

Over 2004, Davies played a further 12 games, mainly up forward. Perhaps his most memorable moment came in round 7 against Collingwood, when he almost single-handedly dragged the Blues back into a game which was all but lost. He banged through three goals in six minutes during the last quarter, and Carlton snatched a team-lifting victory from the old enemy. By the end of the year, Carlton had shown real improvement in finishing 11th, and Davies was honoured by a change of guernsey number from 13 to 7 – apparently at the bequest of past great Brett Ratten.

David Kernahan: 11th July

Career: 1988–1993
Debut: Round 1, 1988 v Hawthorn
949th Carlton Player
Games: 53
Goals: 8
Last game: Round 18, 1993 v Hawthorn
Guernsey No. 28
Height: 188cm
Weight: 83kg
DOB: 11 July, 1965

The younger and smaller brother of Carlton’s immortal Stephen Kernahan, David spent six seasons at Princes Park from 1988 to 1993. He seemed destined for a good career when he kicked the match-winning goal in his first senior game against Hawthorn, and then making the top 5 in the B&F in both 1990 and 1991. Incidentally, it was in 1990 that he brought up the only Brownlow Vote of his career, with a strong game against the Swans in Round 14.

Unfortunately for David, his arrival at Carlton from Glenelg in South Australia coincided with a slump in team performance in the years following the 1987 Premiership. Originally considered as a forward, he found a niche in defence in his second year, playing a string of solid games. Then, just as he was cementing a regular place in the team, he was struck down by hamstring and groin injuries that hampered his career from that point on, taking a heavy toll on the 188 cm, 83 kg utility and restricting him to just 53 games in six seasons. He showed plenty of grit in persisting until 1993 before returning home.

Brett Ratten: 11th July

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY TO BRETT!

Career : 1990 – 2003
Debut : Round 22, 1990 vs Fitzroy, aged 19 years, 52 days
Carlton Player No. 969
Games : 255
Goals : 117
Last Game : Round 10, 2003 vs Fremantle, aged 31 years, 324 days
Guernsey No. 7
Height : 184 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 88 kg (13 stone, 12 lbs.)
DOB : 11 July, 1971
Premiership Player 1995
Captain: 2002 – 2003
Best and Fairest: 1995, 1997, 2000 (tied)
All Australian: 2000, 2001
Coach: Round 17, 2007 –

The story of Brett Ratten is one of contrasts; a champion of the game and of the club, but no superstar; a back pocket who would become an inspirational centreman, and a guy who wore thick glasses off the field, yet had amazing awareness on the ground. One thing is for sure however – ‘Ratts’ was a true Blue champion, and a crowd idol over his 255-game career at Princes Park.

Wearing guernsey number 40, Ratten played his first game for the Blues against Fitzroy in round 22, 1990, and within a matter of weeks became an automatic selection for the Blues in a range of roles – chiefly as an on-baller or forward flanker. It was also in ’91 when he switched to number 7 and proved more than worthy of the honour.

In 1992 the much-heralded arrival of champion centreman Greg Williams from Sydney pushed “Ratts” deep into defence, where he rose to the challenge of taking on the flighty forward pockets of the day. A game against Darren Kowal of the Demons sticks in the mind. But perhaps it was this time in defence that made the man. Ratten was promoted to the midfield over the 1994 and ’95 seasons, and was outstanding in our crushing 1995 Grand Final win over Geelong.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pictures and bios.

There are just seven weeks to go to our big event of 2011, the 1981 Premiership Reunion Luncheon.

To book your table or seat simply download and fill in our application form which can be DOWNLOADED BY CLICKING HERE.

We can confirm that DAVID PARKIN will be one of the keynote speakers. It will be fascinating to hear David’s recollections of that great day when the Blues defeated the Magpies on a sodden MCG.

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

The Blues had a mighty good day today beating the Tigers by 103 points in perfect conditions. The record margin of 115 points was in danger today. However it would have been a tragedy if the record was beaten today because we managed to beat Richmond just four years after their last premiership in appalling conditions in round 14 of 1984 by a record margin. This was a truly spectacular win in the wet and should be acknowledged.

After a loss last week the Blues will be keen to bounce back against the Tigers this week in a big game at the MCG. With West Coast in good form Carlton needs to keep winning to ensure a top four position on the AFL ladder. Today we look at some of the other games the Blues have played on this date: the 2nd of July.

Round 10, 1910

Round 9, 1921

In this top-of-the-table clash, the Blues easily beat the Magpies and claimed outright ladder leadership.

This  match is remembered for its tragic aftermath, when star Carlton rover Lyle Downs collapsed and died at training the following Thursday evening. Downs had played for three years knowing that he had a weak heart, and that he was taking a grave chance by continuing his football career – but chose to do so.

On the following Sunday afternoon, more than two thousand mourners paid their last respects when Downs was laid to rest at Carlton cemetery.

Round 10, 1927

Umpire Kain is given bucketing
Umpire Kain was pelted by a shower of fruit and stones as he tried to leave the ground after Carlton’s loss to Melbourne. Kain was attacked for failing to award Carlton’s Joe Kelly a free after a collision. At the end of the game it took three attempts before Kain was able to reach the dressing room. On route, he was kicked and jostled and a policeman was punched in a brawl. One man was arrested and charged with throwing a missle. Several weeks ago, after a game, a supporter threw a bucket of water over the hapless Kain. – 100 Years of Australian Rules Football.

Round 14, 1977

This game reveals on how inconsistent the Blues were this season. After losing to the bottom side Fitzroy last week, they come out and beat the reigning premiers Hawthorn the following week. If only they could harness this ability on a consistent basis.

One of only THREE games where Peter Hudson was kept goalless, by none other than the human blanket, Rod Austin (Geoff Southby was still having issues with Carlton).

At one stage late in the game, Hudson found himself near the fence in front of the soon to be completed Hawthorn stand, and a Carlton fan had a swipe at him, to which Huddo took umbrage. Of course, the majority Carlton crowd lapped it up.

Syd Jackson: 1st July

Read the story behind Syd’s Birth Date Here: http://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/4311/newsid/114240/default.aspx

Playing Career : 1969 – 1976
Debut : Round 1, 1969 vs St Kilda, aged 24 years 278 days
Carlton Player No. 808
Games : 136
Goals : 165
Guernsey No. 5
Last Game : Preliminary Final, 1976 vs North Melbourne, aged 32 years 79 days
Height : 172 cm (5 ft. 8 in.)
Weight : 72.5 kgs (11 stone, 6 lbs.)
DOB : July 1, 1944
Premiership Player 1970, 1972
Carlton Hall of Fame (2006)

Before Nicky Winmar made his celebrated stand against racism at Victoria Park; before Jim and Phil Krakouer redefined the art of ball-handling, and before a succession of brilliant aboriginal small forwards transformed the forward pocket from a respite station for tired rovers into a major avenue to goal – there was the mercurial Syd Jackson; a gifted, courageous aboriginal footballer who was a star in two Carlton Premiership teams.

Jackson was discovered by a scout from the East Perth Football Club in 1963. A scrawny, spindly-legged teenager from Roelands Mission near Bunbury, Western Australia, he was already dazzling with his ability on the football field. There wasn’t a lot of Syd, however within a year he was entrenched in the centre for the Royals, and considered as one of the rising stars of the WA competition. In fact, in his first year at East Perth, he scored more votes than anyone else in the Sandover Medal (WA’s equivalent of the Brownlow) but was ruled ineligible for the honour because he had been suspended during the year.

That effort brought strong overtures from two VFL clubs; North Melbourne and Carlton. Syd was reluctant to leave WA at first, but after repeated invitations he eventually agreed to join the Blues in 1968. By then he was a mature 24, with more than 100 senior games to his credit. For a lucrative transfer fee, East Perth agreed to clear Syd to Carlton. Then the WANFL stepped in.

Alarmed by the drain of its finest players from Perth to Melbourne, the WANFL board decided to make a stand, and refused to endorse Jackson’s transfer. Syd’s only option then was to stand out of football for a year. Under ANFC rules, players who took this course of action were granted automatic clearance after twelve months. Consequently, Jackson spent his first year at Carlton as coach Ron Barassi’s runner – which at least gave him some valuable insights into Barassi’s methods. It also got his career at Princes Park off to a positive start, when the Blues beat Essendon for the 1968 Premiership.

Syd pulled on Navy Blue guernsey number 5 for his first match in round one of 1969, against Richmond. He had played almost all of his senior football in WA in the centre, but Barassi had reservations about Jackson’s slim frame in heavy traffic at VFL level.  Instead, he preferred to use him as a creative half-forward flanker. Like most of Barassi’s ideas at the time, it proved a winner.

Jackson had an impressive debut season, using his lightning pace and accurate disposal with telling effect. An intuitive reader of the ball as it spilled off packs, and a driving drop-kick on the run, Syd was instrumental in Carlton finishing second on the ladder by percentage to Collingwood. But after jumping to outright favouritism for the flag with a decisive six goal defeat of the Magpies in the Second Semi, Carlton were no match for a rampaging Richmond in the ‘69 Grand Final, losing by 25 points.

Dan Halloran: 4th July

Playing Career : 1975 – 1977
Debut : Round 13, 1975 Aged 20 years 359 days
853th Carlton Player
Games : 15
Goals : 4
Last Game : Round 1, 1977 Aged 22 years 272 days
Guernsey No. 31
Height : 189 cm (6′ 2½”)
Weight : 95 kgs (14.13)
DOB : July 4, 1954

Danny Halloran was recruited from Kyneton and wore guernsey #31 in 15 games for Carlton commencing in Season 1975.  The 189cm Blue kicked 4 goals. Halloran retired from VFL football in 1978.

Alex Marcou: 6th July

Career : 1979-1986
Debut : Round 3, 1979 v Essendon, aged 20 years, 268 days
Carlton Player No. 879
Games : 134
Goals : 148
Last game : Round 11, 1986 v North Melbourne, aged 27 years, 338 days
Guernsey No. 34
Height : 178 cm
Weight : 76 kg
DOB : 6 July, 1958
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.

Carlton crashed out of the 1980 final series in successive weeks, but under new coach David Parkin, bounced back to beat Collingwood for the ’81 flag. This time, Marcou came off the bench when Carlton trailed by 21 points in the third quarter of the Grand Final. His pace was a factor as Carlton steadied, then rallied to win by 20 points. It was the Blues’ twelfth flag, and the second in a row over Collingwood.

Lance Styles: 6th July

Playing Career: 1973 – 1974
Debut: Round 14, 1973 v Hawthorn
Carlton Player No. 841
Games: 3
Goals: Nil
Last game: Round 15, 1974 v Richmond
Guernsey No. 35
Height: 185 cm
Weight: 85 kgs
DOB: 6th July 1951

Recruited from Northern Tasmanian Football Association club Scottsdale and wearing guernsey #35, Styles played 3 games for Carlton after debuting in the same game as Craig Davis in Round 14, 1973.

1973 4th Reserves Best & Fairest
1974 6th Reserves Best & Fairest

With thanks to the Blueseum for player pictures and information.

Celebrate the end of the financial year by becoming a part of our 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

Serge Silvagni: 28th June

Career : 1958 – 1971
Debut : Round 7, 1958 vs South Melbourne, aged 19 years, 330 days
Carlton Player No. 718
Games : 239
Goals : 136
Last Game: Round 22, 1971 vs Collingwood, aged 33 years, 61 days
Guernsey No. 20 (1958), 1 (1959 – 1971)
Height : 183 cm
Weight : 92 kg
Date of Birth: 28 Jun 1938
Premiership Player: 1968, 1970
Best and Fairest: 1962, 1968
Leading Goalkicker: 1959
Captain: 1964
Victorian Representative: 1962 & 1963
Carlton Hall of Fame (1989)
Team of the Century

The Sergio Silvagni story mirrors that of thousands of European settlers in Australia following World War II. While his parents had arrived years before and settled in Carlton, Sergio grew up in a time when Italy had been a recent enemy. He saw sport as a way of assimilating, so he took to the local game in primary school.

By his late teens he was a standout in senior school football with Parade College, and in 1956 he was invited to try out in a practice match with the Under 19 squad at Carlton. With fifty players involved and changes only being made at the regular intervals, he didn’t get a run until after half time – only to be sent to full-back to play on the team’s gun full-forward. In Serge’s words, he “blitzed” the bloke because he was so annoyed at having to wait to get his chance. Only later was he told that the officials at the game knew he could play, but they didn’t call on him earlier because they couldn’t pronounce his name!

The dark-haired, barrel-chested kid with determination written all over him forced his way into Carlton’s senior team in 1958. Originally given guernsey number 20, such was his impact that prior to the ’59 season his coach Jim Francis insisted that he switch to number 1. By this time Serge was a rapidly-maturing 21 year-old, standing 183 cm. When not playing or training with the Blues, he continued working in his father’s concreting business – hard physical labour that paid huge dividends in the powerful 92 kg physique he developed.

By 1962 Silvagni was established among the very best ruck-rovers in the game and was selected in the Victorian State team. A one-pace performer, he ran and worked as hard in the last minute of the game as he had in the first. He was a superb team player and a strong, safe mark; when Serge took front position or swooped on the ball at ground level, only a Mack truck could shift him. He wasn’t quick, but he read the play superbly and revelled in the fiercest contest.

Carlton made the 1962 Grand Final, only to lose to Essendon by 32 points, with Silvagni named among the best for the Blues. A couple of weeks later, Serge won Carlton’s Best & Fairest award with a record number of votes, polling in 19 of a possible 22 games. And in a portent of things to come, he had already developed a special on-field relationship with our blossoming champion ruckman John Nicholls.

Two years on, the third member of perhaps the greatest ruck combination of all played his first game for the Blues. Adrian Gallagher came to Carlton from Yarram, and claimed a rover’s spot in the senior team from day one. From 1964 to 1971 Nicholls, Silvagni and Gallagher were the most respected on-ball trio in the game. Nicholls’ brilliant palming, Silvagni’s tenacity and Gallagher’s fluent disposal made them a potent combination.

Serge was honoured with the captaincy in ’64, but the Blues had a poor year, finishing tenth. However the sensational arrival of Ron Barassi in 1966 revitalised the Blues, and two years afterward we beat Essendon by 3 points in a dour struggle before a record crowd on Grand Final day to claim our first flag in 21 years. Serge was in his element in that ’68 Grand Final, and was among Carlton’s top half-dozen contributors. He then topped off a great season with another Best & Fairest award.

Gary Lawson-Smith: 30th June

Playing Career : 1970-71
Debut : Round 10, 1970 vs Footscray
Carlton Player No. 823
Games : 7
Goals : Nil
Guernsey No. 16
Last Game: Round 11, 1971 vs Collingwood
Height : 191cm (6’3″)
Weight : 87.5kg (13.11)
Date of Birth : 30 June, 1947

Lawson-Smith debuted for the Blues in 1970, playing 7 games over 2 seasons.

Gary Smith was born in South Australia on June 30, 1947 and was recruited from Central District and had to stand out of football for the 1969 season, when he kept fit by being Carlton’s match day runner while waiting for his clearance.  He played in guernsey number 16 and debuted in Round 10, 1970 against Footscray at the Western Oval at the age of 22 years and 341 days old in this 10 point loss where he was named on the half back flank.  He was listed as 6′ 3″ (191cm) and 13.11 (87.5kg) and he played 3 senior games during 1970.

Before the start of  1971 season he married and changed his name from Smith to Lawson-Smith (Lawson being his middle name).  He was one of  the two Carlton players to change their surnames for this season the other one being Andy Lukas who shorted his name to Lukas.

Thanks to the Blueseum for this content.

It is with great pleasure that the Spirit of Carlton Past and Present wishes John Goold a happy 70th birthday. We hope that all involved in John’s life enjoy this wonderful milestone. John is a great friend of the Spirit of Carlton and has generously given his time for many of our events over the years. Please leave your birthday wishes to John in the comments section of this article.

Career : 1963 – 1970
Debut : Round 7, 1963 vs Footscray, aged 21 years, 338 days
Carlton Player No. 754
Games : 108
Goals : 3
Last Game : Grand Final, 1970 vs Collingwood, aged 29 years, 90 days
Guernsey No. 11
Height : 184 cm (6 ft ½ in.)
Weight : 76 kg (12 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : June 27, 1941
Premiership Player 1968, 1970
All Australian 1966

A brilliant, flamboyant, two-time Premiership player for Carlton during the Barassi years in the ‘swingin’ sixties,’ John William Crosbie Goold became almost as famous for his dapper appearance off the field, as for his exploits on it. At the height of his football career, he was also a prominent ladies fashion designer – which led to him being dubbed ‘Mr Elegance’ by leading football commentator Lou Richards. Supporters and team-mates however, called him ‘Rags’ or ‘Ragsy,’ because of his involvement in the clothing, or ‘rag’ trade.

Goold first came under notice as an outstanding junior athlete at Melbourne Grammar School. A true all-round sportsman, he shone at tennis, athletics, football and cricket. He was also a keen horseman who loved the game of polo and the rough and tumble of fox hunting. While at school he was a fervent Melbourne supporter, but strangely, never had much confidence in his football ability.

“If I thought I was good enough, I would certainly have gone to Melbourne,” he said many years later. “But I honestly didn’t think I would ever amount to anything in this game. Cricket and tennis were the games that really interested me.’ However, after graduating from MGS, Goold went home to Healesville to star in the Bloods’ 1962 Yarra Valley Football Association Premiership team – an achievement that brought tempting offers from more than one VFL club.

“Incentives were offered elsewhere,” he recalled, “but I gravitated to Carlton – partly because the deep blue of their guernsey attracted me, but mostly because of the good advice I got from people who even then were longsighted enough to predict that big things were ahead for this club.”

The Blues were confident enough in Goold’s potential to offer him the guernsey number 11 previously worn with distinction by the likes of Jack Hale, Jim Knight, Ron Hines and Laurie Kerr, and his first senior game came in round 7, 1963 against Footscray at the Western Oval. He played on a half-forward flank alongside Brownlow Medallists Gordon Collis and John James on that Saturday afternoon, and kicked his first career goal in an 8-point win. Little did he know though, that it would be another six seasons before he would again experience the thrill of sending a football spinning between the big posts, because his future lay in defence.

By his own admission, Goold struggled to find his feet in VFL football during his first two seasons, until the shock appointment of Ron Barassi as captain-coach of Carlton in 1965 began steering his career back on track. “I think you could say that 1965 was my first year of League football,” he said, “That’s the way I felt – that’s the way I reacted to Barassi.”

Under Barassi, Goold rapidly developed into a superb running half-back flanker. Tenacious, and an often freakish high mark, he was unmistakable on the field thanks to his mane of dark hair, his loping running style and somewhat awkward kicking action. Furthermore, he had boundless courage. There is no doubt that he would have played many more games had he not been regularly pole-axed under the high ball – a fact he later freely admitted. “I was always getting knocked out,” he said, “and spent half my bloody time in hospital.”

In the second half of 1965, an injury to centre half-back Gordon Collis forced Barassi to use Goold in the key defensive post. While it curtailed his rebounding instincts somewhat, ‘Ragsy’ rose to the challenge and rarely lowered his colours. Testament to his improvement, he finished third behind John Nicholls and Sergio Silvagni in Carlton’s 1965 Best and Fairest award, and followed up by being selected in the Victorian team for the 1966 Hobart Carnival. There, he had a superb series in which he was runner-up to West Australian Barry Cable in voting for the Tassie Medal, and capped it off by being named on a half-back flank in the All Australian team.

Barassi’s influence at Carlton bore fruit in his third year, when the Blues returned to finals football at last. Richmond, Carlton, Geelong and Collingwood fought out the 1967 Premiership, and Ragsy Goold won the hearts of the Carlton faithful with two lion-hearted performances. Although Carlton was knocked out of contention by successive losses to Richmond and Geelong, Goold was tireless throughout both games, and it was obvious that he thrived on the added pressure of finals football.

Precisely twelve months later, the bitter taste of those defeats was washed away when Barassi’s Blues edged out Essendon by 3 points in the 1968 Grand Final, and ended 21 years of despair at Princes Park. To win Carlton’s ninth VFL flag, the Blues had had to defeat the minor premier Bombers twice during the finals – and did so, thanks to a watertight defence led by Goold, and a dominant ruck division headed by John Nicholls.

In round 5, 1969, Carlton hosted South Melbourne at Princes Park in a match significant for a number of reasons. As he regularly did, Ron Barassi swung his team around prior to the opening bounce, and Goold found himself in the unaccustomed role of ruck-rover. While the Blues set about establishing a good break on the scoreboard, Ragsy relished the freedom to kick two first half goals – his first majors for 78 games. Just before half-time however, he was flattened in a pack, concussed again, and replaced during the long break by Barry Gill. Alex Jesaulenko was substituted at the same time – by a shy, ambitious youngster named Bruce Doull, making his senior debut for Carlton in guernsey number 4.

In September, 1969 the Navy Blues began their third straight finals campaign with an impressive 6-goal Semi Final win over Collingwood in front of more than 108,000 fans at the MCG. A fortnight later, Richmond stunned the flag favourites with a withering last quarter in the Grand Final, and knocked Carlton out of the Premiership race again at the last hurdle. Half-way through the year, Carlton’s club doctor discovered that Goold had been playing with shin splints in both of his lower legs. The pain they caused was considerable, but Ragsy soldiered on and held down centre half-back throughout the season.

John Goold’s VFL career at Carlton culminated in the fabled 1970 Grand Final triumph over Collingwood. What is not so well known is that Ragsy was only cleared to play in that game on the morning of the match. After narrowly losing to Collingwood in the second Semi Final, the Navy Blues destroyed St Kilda by 62 points in the Preliminary Final, and earned another shot at the Magpies in the decider. But one of Carlton’s problems was that Goold had been kicked on a shin against St Kilda, causing a burst blood vessel and serious swelling.

Despite the best efforts of the club medical staff, Ragsy had only a slim chance of playing in the Grand Final right up until game day, when his worried coach reluctantly allowed him to take his place in the side. Later, Barassi justified his decision by saying that in his opinion, a less than fully fit Goold was still worth his place in the team. By half time in the Grand Final however, he was probably questioning that judgement – because Carlton had been totally outplayed, and trailed an impressive, cohesive Collingwood by 44 points.

Therefore, Carlton’s magnificent comeback – orchestrated by Barassi, and sparked by the fairytale exploits of 19th man Ted Hopkins – is one of the greatest of all football stories. Against enormous odds, the Navy Blues fought their way back into the contest, and eventually, rolled over the top of the frantic Magpies to snatch victory by 10 points in the last few minutes of the match.

Hopkins ended up with four goals, Barassi was hailed a genius, and Ragsy Goold was carted off to hospital immediately after the game to have further urgent treatment. While there, he decided that there was no better time to end his VFL career – especially because his burgeoning business interests were demanding more and more of his time.

In the years after his football career ended, John Goold created a remarkably successful business empire. In 1971 he sold his fashion label and took up farming at Mortlake in western Victoria, where he coached the local football team for three seasons. Later, he formed a diversified pastoral company, and purchased a magnificent complex called Ballangeich Run at nearby Ellerslie. While his passion for farming and livestock grew, he began breeding top quality polo ponies, and represented Australia in international competition.

During the 1997 and 1998 seasons, John’s son Ed Goold played reserve grade football for Carlton.

Thanks to the Blueseum for this bio.

While the Blues take on West Coast today to attempt to consolidate a top four spot spare a thought for games gone by which have also occured today.

There are just two months to go to our big event of 2011, the 1981 Premiership Reunion Luncheon.

To book your table or seat simply download and fill in our application form which can be DOWNLOADED BY CLICKING HERE.

We can confirm that DAVID PARKIN will be one of the keynote speakers. It will be fascinating to hear David’s recollections of that great day when the Blues defeated the Magpies on a sodden MCG.

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

Dear Spirit of Carlton member, Past player, Official, Sponsor, Supporter,

Due to the extraordinary contract arrangements that the Collingwood Football Club has with the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Club),and the immanent sell out of the Carlton versus Collingwood game on 16/7, the Spirit of Carlton room and tickets unfortunately are now not available for this game. We are very disappointed with this situation and we apologise for any inconvenience this causes to you our valued members.

 Once again apologies for this situation but it is out of our hands.

 Thanks for your support of the Spirit of Carlton Past & Present group. It is very much appreciated.

 Geoff Southby

Executive Member SOC

Adam Chatfield: 22nd June

Career: 2000 (On list: 1998-2001)
Only Game: Round 19, 2000 vs Western Bulldogs
1042nd Carlton Player
Games: 1
Goals: Nil
Guernsey No. 13
Height: 189cm
Weight: 81kg
DOB: 22 June, 1979

Adam Chatfield was a hard working flanker from the ACT Rams (originally from Pennant Hills in New South Wales), taken with Pick 23 in the 1997 National Draft. Chatfield, who played with a mop of long blonde hair and had a sharp, pointy nose, had a fine, long if not airey kick on both sides of the body, but unfortunately struggled to crack it into the Carlton team.

He wore the #13 guernsey.

Chatfield was on Carlton’s list for 4 seasons from 1998-2001 and while he managed to play a solitary game for Carlton in Round 19, 2000, he was never actually named in Carlton’s senior team- gaining a last minute call up when named as an emergency, after 2 players were late withdrawals. After just 8 possessions and with the return of senior players the next week, he failed to be selected a second time.

He spent the whole of 1998 in the reserves, while in 1999 was troubled by a series of injuries to his scaphoid, ankle and jaw. 2000 and 2001 were spent in the VFL in all but his one senior call up. He went on to have a year or two on the Geelong rookie list.

Mario Bortolotto: 26th June

Playing Career : 1981 – 1983
Debut : Round 1, 1981 vs Richmond, aged 23 years, 275 days
Carlton Player No. 887
Games : 30
Goals : 1
Guernsey No. 6
Last game : Round 21, 1983 vs North Melbourne, aged 26 years, 54 days
Height : 189 cm
Weight : 87 kg
DOB : 26 June, 1957
Premiership Player 1981, 1982

Mario Bortolotto was a journeyman defender who began his VFL career at Geelong, only to be dumped without warning after a handful of senior appearances. He was then picked up by Carlton – and through a mixture of diligence, luck and circumstance, gained a place in the Blues’ 1981 and ’82 Premiership teams.

By coincidence, Bortolotto’s career at Princes Park ran parallel with that of West Australian sensation Peter Bosustow. They played their first and last matches for Carlton together, and shared in the glory of those back-to-back flags. But while ‘The Buzz’ kicked 146 goals in his celebrated 65 games, Bortolotto managed just 30 matches and one goal over the same period.

Since then, it has become fashionable to disparage Bortolotto as barely a fringe player – conveniently overlooking the fact that he spent his career at Carlton battling for his place in a playing list that in terms of depth of talent, was one of the strongest in our history. In reality, he was more than a handy alternative anywhere in defence, and reliable whenever he was given his chance to play in big games. He was also popular around the club, particularly because of his ready sense of humour.

This was evident when he once participated in one of Lou Richard’s stunts for The Sun newspaper. Lou had made a statement along the lines of, ‘the Blues can’t win this week. If they do, I will have Mario tip a bucket of spaghetti over my head in Lygon St.’ Carlton duly got up, and a few days later, the back page of the paper featured a beaming Bortolotto doing just that; emptying a large bowl of pasta (complete with sauce) over a hapless Richards.

Mario’s path to VFL football began at his home town of Koondrook in north-western Victoria. After a standout couple of seasons for St Patrick’s College at Ballarat during the last years of his schooling, he was playing senior football for local club Leopold when Geelong first showed interest in the solidly-built centre half-back.

In 1979, he made his VFL debut for the Cats, and racked up 14 games and three goals over two seasons. In one of those matches – against Carlton at Kardinia Park in round 12, 1979, he impressed by keeping Carlton’s star forward Mark Maclure under a tight rein all day, as Geelong inflicted a rare defeat on the Blues. He didn’t know it at the time, but that performance was to be the pivotal moment in Bortolotto’s football career.

Thanks to the Blueseum for pics and bios.

Tickets for Round 14, 26/6 Carlton V West Coast 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. To book tickets please call Justine Wratten on her new contact number 0420-318266.

Please note : These tickets are only available to Spirit of Carlton members, if you have not yet joined and wish to do so, download our membership application form.

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 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

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

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’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

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

Round 8, 1915

Round 7, 1920

Round 9, 1967

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

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

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

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.