Round 15, 1910

Carlton 2.1 13 6.7 43 8.8 56 11.12 78 University 1.6 12 1.8 14 3.11 29 6.14 50	Venue: Princes Park	Date: August 13, 1910
Result: Won by 28 points	Umpire: Elder.	Crowd:
Goalkickers: V.Gardiner 5, J.Baquie 2, M.Gotz 1, E.Jamieson 1, J.Marchbank 1, A.McDonald 1.
Reports:	Injuries:

 

Game Review

Carlton recorded another strong win in this match over University. However, perhaps, the game might be more famous for something else! As uncovered by historian Craig Mackie in his article ‘Doug Fraser and the Bribery Scandal of 1910’ for the Blueseum:

The following is what surely must be one of the first recorded instances of an Australian Rules Footballer utilising what is known today as “The Big Don’t Argue”:

“It was on the whole a good clean game, though strenuous beyond question. There was very little to complain of in the individual play on either side, the most marked exception being when Fraser, of Carlton, jammed his hand in the face of Elliott, of University. It was certainly not fair and manly play, and Carlton supporters were relieved when, after the game was over, the delegates reported that the field umpire (Elder) had announced that he had no charge against any of the players. There was evidently a fear that Fraser’s momentary violence might have got him in trouble, and perhaps it would be well for him to remember that the fear was certainly not foundationless…” (The Age: 15th August 1910)

Round 20, 1983

Carlton 4.1 25 5.3 33 15.6 96 20.9 129 Hawthorn 6.5 41 9.11 65 11.15 81 15.22 112	Venue: Princes Park	Date: August 13, 1983
Result: Win by 17 points	Umpires: A.Bryant & I.Robinson	Crowd: 28,504 Receipts; $83,468
Goalkickers: W.Johnston 4, R.Ashman 4, A.Marcou 3, P.Bosustow 2, K.Hunter 2, F.Marchesani 2, S.Koukoumelis 2, M.Maclure 1.
Best; W.Johnston, A.Marcou, G.Southby, S.Kourkoumelis, W.Harmes, K. Hunter, D.Glascott, F.Marchesani, D.English, M.Bortolotto.
Reports: Jim Buckley (Carlton) by field umpire A.Bryant for allegedy striking Peter Schwab (Hawthorn) with left clenched fist to the head during the second quarter – 2 Week suspension
Injuries: V.Perovic (ribs), B.Doull (back), R.Ashman (leg)

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Game Review

A great victory in what would prove to be our last “Championship quarter” against the hapless Hawks. Bruce Doull like the cat he was, dodged a Leigh Matthews elbow during the last quarter celebration of this victory. For such a great player, Matthews was unnecessarily violent.

Spiro Kourkoumelis played probably his best game for the Blues, starring in the midfield during the 2nd half comeback.

This game is remembered fondly by Carlton fans, and is considered one of our best wins in the Home & Away rounds of the 1980’s. For more games like this, please click here. In fact, we would love to hear from anyone who can count down the 10 third quarter goals we scored to take this game…

Wayne Johnston’s performance in the centre during the third quarter against Hawthorn on Saturday had to be seen to be appreciated. Johnston not only picked up 12 kicks in that quarter but was the driving force behind the Blues getting back into the match. He was here, there, everywhere in an effort to lift his side. Hawthorn centreman, Terry Wallace, certainly knows how to pick up possessions but, being creative is just as important as winning the ball. Johnston, of course, is a great finals player and, when he sets his mind on something in football, he can be devastating. He could have a big say in this year’s finals – if the Blues can hold off the Collingwood challenge over the next fortnight. – Jim Main Inside Football 

”Dynamo Johnno sparks Blues!
It’s no wonder they call Wayne Johnston “The Dominator”. He dragged Carlton from the depths of despair to beat Hawthorn by 17 points at Princes Park on Saturday. Johnston was well held by Peter Schwab in the first half, but took over when he was shifted to the centre. Yes, he absolutely dominated the position. Carlton players who had been on the missing list suddenly appeared – no doubt by his brilliance. The poor old hawks didn’t have a feather to fly with after a magnificent third quarter during which Carlton kicked 10 goals to Hawthorn’s two. But it wasn’t just the Johnston move that turned the tide for the Blues. Switching Ken Hunter to the forward line and Wayne Harmes into defence also worked wonders. Well-tagged in the first half, there was no holding them in the second. Carlton has become famous for many facets of the game, but it has a great reputation for third quarter bursts. I believe Carlton fans lie in wait expecting their heroes to show up at that stage. They certainly didn’t let them down on Saturday. The Blues played the sort of football I defy any team to counter. When they got their run-on game going, little men like Alex Marcou, Wayne Johnston, David Glascott and Rod Ashman seem to have twins on the ground. There’s no doubt that the way Carlton is playing at the moment, winning the flag from fifth place could be a piece of cake. I bet the rest of the five hopes Collingwood takes its place in the next two weeks. The difference would be like strawberry jam compared to bread and dripping. I’ve come to the conclusion the only way to stop the Blues is to leg rope them. If any side is to have a chance, it has to be a 100 per cent concentration job, man on man, not giving an inch for the entire game. The Hawks did that for half the game on Saturday, then sat back and relaxed because they were 32 points points in front. They became over-confident, started backing their judgement and chasing kicks and trying to do all those weird wonderful things that make a team look pretty. Unfortunately, that doesn’t win games against the Blues. – Lou Richards with Michael Horan The Sun Newspaper.”

John Nicholls: Happy 72nd Birthday!

Career : 1957-1974
Debut : Round 1, 1957 vs Hawthorn, aged 17 years, 250 days
Carlton Player No. 708
Games : 328 #
Goals : 307
Last Game: Round 17, 1974 vs South Melbourne, aged 34 years, 348 days
Guernsey No. 2
Height : 189 cm
Weight : 105 kg
DOB: August 13, 1939
Premiership Player: 1968, 1970, 1972
Captain: 1963, 1968*-1971
Captain-Coach: 1972-1974
Coach: 1975
Best and Fairest: 1959, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1967
All Australian: 1966, 1969 (Captain)
Carlton Hall of Fame
Team of the Century: Ruck
AFL Team of the Century / VFL AFL Legends

One of the truly great players in the history of VFL/AFL football, and the man widely regarded as the finest ruckman ever to play the game, John Nicholls led the Carlton Football Club to two Premierships as captain, and a third as captain-coach, in a celebrated playing career spanning 18 seasons.

‘Big Nick’ was a skilful and inspirational on-field leader, as well as a fierce protector of his team-mates. He played his first senior match before his eighteenth birthday, and was retired – against his will – by the Carlton committee just 17 days before he turned thirty-five. In between, his career was packed with glory, controversy, heart-break, and just about every individual and team honour the game could provide.

It all began for John Nicholls in 1956, when Carlton won a tussle with Geelong to recruit his older brother; Don. The Nicholls boys hailed from Maryborough in central Victoria, where Don was a star centreman, and his bigger, barrel-chested brother was already playing senior football at the age of fifteen.

Don Nicholls adapted quickly to life in Melbourne, and to VFL football. Fifteen solid games in his debut season won him Carlton’s Best First-Year Player Award, and focussed attention from a number of other clubs on his 17-year old sibling. In the summer of that year, John joined Don in Melbourne, where he eventually gave in to the urgings Carlton coach Ken Hands, and agreed to play for the Old Dark Navy Blues.

By his own admission, at first Big John was not particularly confident of his ability to play at elite level. But under the encouragement and inspiration of his captain Ken Hands, he was a quick learner. In 1957 he emulated Don by also collecting the Blues’ Best First-Year Player trophy – the first of many honours as he quickly developed into one of the game’s most powerful and skilful ruckmen. Although not overly tall at 189 cm, he was a solid 105 kg at his peak, with huge, tree-trunk legs and brawny arms.

He wasn’t particularly quick across the ground, but he was an intelligent reader of the play, a strong mark, and an accurate deliverer of the ball by hand or foot. When resting forward he was a reliable kick for goal inside 50 metres. He jumped high for a man of his bulk, and was an exceptional palmer of the ball at boundary throw-ins or centre bounces. As his career progressed, he became the master of one-on-one duels, because of his ability to quickly assess his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Although he preferred to palm the ball with his left hand, he was almost impossible to counter. He attacked the ball from any angle, using his right arm to fend off his opponent, while turning his body to direct the ball with his left.

More so, ‘Big Nick’ radiated authority. A steely glare from those intense blue eyes across the centre circle intimidated many opponents. And if a game became overtly physical, and more than insults started flying, the Carlton boys stood tall when Big Nick was there to fly the flag. Former team-mate Ian Collins once said; ‘he was the finest player you could ever meet. He could control a game, and he had an intense hatred of being beaten. If he had to flatten someone, he would.’

Max Ellis: Happy 78th Birthday!

Career: 1956
Debut: Round 2, 1956 v Melbourne
Carlton Player No.: 700
Games: 2
Goals: 0
Last game: Round 3, 1956 v St Kilda
Guernsey No. 21
Height: 170cm
Weight: 70kg
DOB: 13 August 1933

Recruited from South Bendigo and aged 23 on his senior debut, Max Ellis wore guernsey 21 in his only two appearances for the Blues in 1956.

Alex Way: Happy 86th Birthday!

Career : 1944 – 1948
Debut : Round 2, 1944 vs Hawthorn, aged 18 years, 273 days
Carlton Player No. 590
Games : 32
Goals : 27
Guernsey No. 4
Last Game: Round 10, 1948 vs South Melbourne, aged 22 years, 310 days
Height : 180 cm (5 ft. 11 in.)
Weight : 78 kg ( 12 stone, 4 lbs)
DOB : 13 August, 1925
Premiership Player: 1945

The nephew of former Blue Jack Way, Alex Way was a capable and clever centre half-forward from Coburg Rangers. He was recruited by the Blues in 1944, but had managed only sixteen senior matches (mainly as a half-forward flanker) before he was a surprise inclusion in Carlton’s fabled 1945 Premiership team.

Way got his chance at Grand Final glory when his volatile team-mate Fred Fitzgibbon was suspended for striking during the Blues’ great win over Collingwood in the mayhem of the previous week’s Preliminary Final. Although Alex hadn’t played in the senior team for a month at that time, he and Charlie McInnes were chosen to replace Ron Hines and Fitzgibbon for the decider. Jim Mooring (who warmed the bench against Collingwood) joined the starting line-up as second rover, Way went to a half-forward flank, and McInnes took Mooring’s place as 19th man.

Because the MCG was unavailable (it was being used as a transit centre for American troops) an enormous crowd of almost 63,000 crammed into Princes Park on the Saturday afternoon of September 29, 1945, and witnessed one of the most infamous games of football ever played. Promoted as the ‘Victory’ Grand Final to celebrate the end of World War II, it degenerated into a rolling brawl after quarter time, as players on both sides went at each other with fists, elbows, knees and boots.

Sadly, the overt violence of that day has since overshadowed Carlton’s monumental achievement. Ninth on the ladder after seven rounds of the season, the Blues won thirteen of their last fourteen matches – including two of the toughest finals ever played – and beat the hot favourites South Melbourne by 28 points in the decider. No team before or since has faced a harder path to the Premiership.

A few minutes before half time on that remarkable afternoon, men from both teams were already dazed and bloodied. The Swans were kicking with a strong breeze and clinging to a narrow lead when South’s full-back Jim Cleary took an uncontested mark in his own goal square. Looking up, Cleary saw two team-mates out in space on the northern side of the ground, and kicked long toward them.

But just as the ball arrived, Way threw himself between the pair to take a juggled mark. He played on, and speared a neat foot pass to ruckman Ron Savage, who immediately handballed over to Mick Price, and the Carlton rover’s goal put the Blues in front at a pivotal moment in the game. Although South managed another major themselves before the main break, their lead was only two points by then – and Carlton’s spirits lifted. The Blues had held the Swans in check with the breeze, and it was our turn next.

That passage of play, and others like it leading up to Carlton’s triumph, marked the pinnacle of Alex Way’s career. He enjoyed another reasonably successful season in 1946, playing 12 games for 6 goals, but thereafter became a regular with the Reserves.

His last appearance for Carlton came in round 10, 1948, when he pulled on his number 4 guernsey and ran out onto the Lake Oval to play South Melbourne one last time. The Blueboys certainly sent Alex off in style (Ray Garby and Fred Davies both kicked 5 goals) as the Blues knocked over the Swans by 41 points.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pics and bios.

The Spirit of Carlton is dependent on the success of its various functions throughout the year so that we can offer assistance to the club and the current playing group in their  journey towards the next premiership.

Our functions serve two significant purposes, firstly they are a chance for Carlton people to get together socially to strengthen the bonds within the community of Carlton past and present players, corporations, officials and members and supporters of the Carlton Football Club. Secondly these functions raise funds which are used to assist the club in several important areas.

Currently the Spirit of Carlton Past and Present allocates funding to these areas:

1) The current playing group and football department.

2) Past player welfare needs.

3) Carlton Football club history management and preservation.

In 2011 alone the following funds have been allocated already.

–         approx $9k for two Game Ready injury recovery machines

–         These were provided to assist Michael Jamison and Shaun Hampson with their knee injury recovery programs. These machines will also be able to be used for any future player injuries.

–         approx $15k for the Father and Son Junior Academy

–         In what was a very popular and successful initiative about 20 sons of past players enjoyed a structured program where possible future father and son prospects become better acquainted with the club, to see how the players train, how team meetings are conducted, listen to some Carlton greats speak, and do some skills sessions with Carlton football staff.

–         http://spiritofcarlton.com/blog/2011/01/27/father-son-development-academy/

–         approx $29k for an iPad weight management system for the current playing group

–         approx $47k for GPS units for the current playing group

–         If you watch the players out on the ground you might notice a small bump in the middle of the back up near the neck on the player guernseys. These are GPS units which monitor the speed and distance a player covers in a particular game. These units provide invaluable information so that the coaching and fitness staff can finetune the players performance levels.

–         approx $25k for the history management project

–         part of this project was the wonderful display cabinet in the Visy Park foyer which currently displays memorabilia from our 1981/82 premiership wins. This cabinet is a now a permanent piece of infrastructure that all Carlton supporters can enjoy.

–         http://spiritofcarlton.com/blog/2011/02/24/cfcsoc-display-case-begins-installation/

The upcoming Spirit of Carlton Luncheon is our biggest fundraiser for the year. As you can see, the money that is raised goes to some wonderful projects which help the whole Carlton supporting community.

In order to maintain this support we need as many people to attend our events as possible. So if you would like to experience an amazing afternoon celebrating the 1981 premiership and at the same time know that your attendance provides direct support to the Carlton Football club, then download our order form which can be found by CLICKING HERE.

Brent Crosswell

Career : 1968 – 1975
Debut : Round 1, 1968 vs Geelong, aged 17 years, 250 days
Carlton Player No. 802
Games : 98
Goals : 92
Guernsey No. 17
Last Game: Round 1, 1975 vs Geelong, aged 24 years, 240 days
Height : 185 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 81 kg (13 stone, 2 lbs.)
DOB : August 8, 1950
Premiership Player: 1968 & 1970

Brent ‘Tiger’ Crosswell was a brilliant, yet enigmatic star at Carlton during the Barassi era. A brash, flamboyant individual capable of winning a game off his own boot with quarter or two of inspirational play, he was also at times prone to infuriating lapses in concentration. First and foremost, Crosswell was a big occasion player – perhaps the best of his time. On a cold and wet day at Glenferrie or the Western Oval, he could often seem disinterested – but on a fine afternoon at the MCG, in front of a big crowd, he was tenacity and skill personified.

Hailing from Campelltown in Tasmania, Crosswell was discovered by former Carlton centreman Berkley Cox, who was impressed when he saw the 17 year-old playing inter-school football for Launceston’s Scotch College in 1967. Brent was never comfortable with the regimented college life, and so found an outlet for his youthful frustrations on the football field – even though he never totally embraced the close mateship of club culture. When they first met, Carlton coach Ron Barassi was intrigued by the skilful, highly intelligent youngster, and the pair went on to share triumphs and tribulations at two clubs during Crosswell’s 14-year VFL career – even though, as individuals, they were chalk and cheese.

Barassi, the fierce disciplinarian who demanded maximum physical and mental commitment from all his players, was often left dumbfounded by Crosswell, who delighted in quoting classical English poetry to his coach, and to his opponents. Seemingly unmoved by Barassi’s fiery tirades at training or during matches, Crosswell would simply offer to sort out the pairs’ differences later – on the tennis court, or over a chess board. These matches he invariably won. Then time after time on the weekend, he would go out and win an important game for the Blues with a jaw-dropping burst of football magic.

Michael Mansfield

Career: 2000-2002
Carlton Debut: Round 1, 2000 vs Brisbane
1037th Carlton Player
Games: 54 (+ 181 with Geelong)
Goals: 18
Last Game: Round 22, 2002 vs Essendon
Guernsey No. 10
Height: 183cm
Weight: 85kg
DOB: 8 August 1971

After Carlton’s surprise second place in 1999, particularly given the finish out of the 8 in the years before, the Blues set out to add some senior players to what appeared to be considered an emerging team. With a potent midfield of Camporeale, Koutoufides and Ratten, the Blues sought out 2 ex-Cats in high-priced trades (in terms of top draft picks) – both Stephen O’Reilly and Michael Mansfield were brought to the Club for 2000 in a sure sign of ‘loading up’ for a Flag. The Blues would give up pick 31 in the 1999 National Draft to secure Mansfield from Geelong. They would use that pick on Paul Chapman, who has gone on to play 100+ very good games for the Cats including the 2007 Premiership.

Mansfield had played 181 games with Geelong, and was twice All Australian in 1994 & 1995, the same year he would play against the Blues in the Grand Final. History will show that his opponent on the day, Brad Pearce, would kick 4 goals and be a key player in Carlton’s great win, but as far as Cats fans would go, Mansfield was a keen competitor who provided much drive from half back. It is interesting to note that two of Geelong’s better players that day ended up at the Blues, Adrian Hickmott and Mansfield.

Mansfield, who wore the #10, came over on a 4 year contract. Playing more as a utility across half back or half forward, Mansfield played 54 games in the first 3 of those contracted years. Mick’s best year for the Blues was 2001, where he played 20 games and averaged 12.2 possessions a game.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pics and bios.

Round 15, 1938

Carlton 4.5 29 9.9 63 14.9 93 19.12 126 Fitzroy 2.3 15 5.5 35 9.9 63 11.10 76	Venue: Brunswick St	Date: August 6, 1938
Result: Win by 50 points	Umpire:	Crowd: 17,000
Goalkickers: H.Vallence 11, M.Price 3, R.Cooper 2, H.Hollingshead 2, F.Anderson 1.
Reports:	Injuries:

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Game Review

Yet again, champion spearhead Harry Vallence dominated this match at Brunswick St. In his 199th senior game for Carlton – at the age of 33 years and 63 days – ‘Soapy’ kicked 11 goals as the Blues comfortably accounted for Fitzroy.

Meanwhile, at Corio Oval, Geelong knocked over Footscray in a thriller, and gave Carlton an 8-point buffer on top of the ladder.

Round 19, 1983

Carlton 6.6 42 9.11 65 18.13 121 25.18 168 St Kilda 3.2 20 5.6 36 7.10 52 8.13 61	Venue: Princes Park	Date: August 6, 1983
Result: Win by 107 points	Umpires: D.Smart & M.Westgarth	Crowd: 19,203 Receipts: $33,875
Goalkickers: R.Ashman 3, S.Kourkoumelis 3, M.Fitzpatrick 2, P.Bosustow 2, J.Buckley 2, R.Burke 2, F.Marchesani 2, M.Maclure 2, M.Williams 2, J.Madden 2, M.Buckley 1, D.Glascott 1, A.Marcou 1.
Best: S.Kourkoumelis, B.Doull, D.Glascott, R.Ashman, J.Madden, A.Marcou, J.Buckley.
Reports:	Injuries:

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Game Review

St Kilda were hammered by the Blues for a third time in eight years when the two teams met once more at Princes Park. Adding to a joyous celebration of champion defender Bruce Doull’s 300th game, Carlton unleashed a trademark third-quarter blitz of nine goals to snuff out the Saints’ hopes, and the final margin was a new record 107 points.
In a very even team performance, ruck-rover Spiro Kourkoumelis stood out. Gathering possessions at will, he kicked three goals, while nine other Blues scored two or more, in a heavily one-sided contest.

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY TO MARK AMOS

Mark is a great supporter of the Spirit of Carlton, we often see Mark at Spirit of Carlton functions. We all  wish Mark a very happy 60th birthday!

Career: 1970-71
Debut: Round 9, 1970 Aged 18 years 298 days
821st Carlton Player
Games: 6
Goals: Nil
Last Game: Round 9, 1971 Aged 19 years 297 days
Guernsey No. 38
Height: 189cm (6’2½”)
Weight: 92kg (14.7)
DOB: August 5, 1951

Wearing #38, Amos played 6 games for Carlton over 1970 and 1971 between the round 9 games of those season. He won the Reserves Best and Fairest award in 1970 and played in the 1969 Reserve grand final and also respresented the VFL Seconds in an interstate match.

He was cleared to Fitzroy for the 1972 season where he played one game and scored a goal from the forward pocket and that was against Carlton in Round 16, 1972 and his coach was ex – Carlton captain and Reserve coach between 1967 and 1970 in Graham Donaldson.

Amos was recruited from Montmorency, after originally playing for Robinvale.

David Gallagher

Career: 2002
Debut: Round 1, 2002 vs St Kilda
1049th Carlton Player
Games: 7 (Carlton) (33 total)
Goals: 1 (3 total)
Guernsey No. 14
Last Game : Round 9, 2002 vs Adelaide
Height: 183cm
Weight: 84kg
DOB: 5 August, 1980

Gallagher, a Victorian originally from Clayton, via Prahran Dragons U/18’s, he was picked up by the Crows, was traded at the end of the 2001 season in return for Blue Ben Nelson, who returned home to South Australia. Gallagher had previously played 26 games there from 1999-2001.

There were high hopes that he could fill a back pocket position for the Blues. He made his debut for Carlton in Round 1 of his debut year but missed the next 2 games due to an ankle injury. He then played 6 games straight but a further ankle injury and osteitis pubis would prevent him from playing any more senior games and establishing himself at Carlton. He was not retained after 2002, appearing to pay the price for Carlton’s first ever wooden spoon.

Gallagher went on to Sandringham in the VFL where his ball winning abilities shone through, becoming a key player at that level and playing in Sandy’s three consecutive premierships.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pics and bios.

The weeks seem to be flying by at the moment and the recent warm weather reminds everyone of spring, the season when premierships are won. In three weeks the Spirit of Carlton will be celebrating the Blues 13th premiership, which was at the expense of the Magpies in 1981.

In what promises to be a magic day not only the coach but the captain will be the key speakers. David Parkin and Mike Fitzpatrick are still two of the biggest names in football 30 years after the 1981 triumph. Their insights about the big day should prove to be fascinating for every Blues supporter.

There will also be panel interviews with players from the day and roving microphone interviews with players in the crowd. A three course meal and drinks are provided and some of the auction and raffle items this year are spectacular.

We are expecting a bumper crowd of 800 people to pack the Victory Room at Etihad stadium on the 25th of August. The atmosphere in the room will be electric.

These tickets are a hot items and there is generally a rush to get tickets close to the day of the luncheon. Do not get caught leaving it too late to get your ticket or you may miss out!

In a first for the Spirit of Carlton we will be providing updates of the luncheon live through twitter. We would love people attending the event to tweet about what is happening on the day, get your picture with a past player and tweet it and we will feature it on our website.

The hashtag we will be using on the day will be #socluncheon, it should be a lot of fun. Feel free to use the hashtag now on twitter and tell us how much you are looking forward to this event.

To get your ticket for the day CLICK HERE  and download the order form.

Brian Buckley: 3rd August

Career : 1956 – 1965
Debut : Round 16, 1956 vs Collingwood, aged 21 years, 1 day
Carlton Player No. 705
Games : 116
Goals : 6
Last Game : Round 18, 1965 vs Essendon, aged 30 years, 25 days
Guernsey Nos. 35 (1956) and 4 (1957-65)
Height : 184 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 82.5 kg (13 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : 3 August, 1935

On the day after his 21st birthday, Brian Buckley experienced a dream start to his VFL career when Carlton beat Collingwood by 13 points at Victoria Park in round 16, 1956. By then, Brian had already spent five seasons in navy blue, having begun with Carlton’s Under 19 squad (and played in their Premiership team) in 1951. Buckley had been recruited from Coburg U/17’s.

Throughout the next ten seasons, Buckley became one of the most popular Carlton players of his era – not because of spectacular play or goal-kicking prowess – but rather for his reliability in defence for the Blues. A capable tap ruckman whose strong marking was his biggest asset, he regularly filled in at full-back, but was perhaps most valuable while minding the opposing ruckmen in the pocket.

Brian played in a lean period for the Blues, with his only finals appearances coming in 1957 (when he was 19th man in Carlton’s Semi Final loss to Hawthorn) and 1962 (when he was consistently good throughout a tough series of finals games, only to miss out on a place in Carlton’s Grand Final team because of injury). He wore guernsey number 4 in all but the first three of his 116 senior matches, and kicked 6 goals from his rare forays into the forward line.

On departing from Princes Park, he was appointed captain-coach of Port Melbourne in 1966, and took the Borough to a VFA Premiership in his first season. Leading his team in the ruck, he had a young Peter Bedford playing in the centre, and another ex-Blue; Barry Schmidt on one half-forward flank.

Ken Jungwirth: 3rd August

Playing Career : 1967
Only Game : Round 12, 1967 Aged 20 years 346 days
800th Carlton Player
Goals : Nil
Guernsey No. 47
Height : 183 cm (6’0″)
Weight : 78.5 kgs (12.5)
DOB : August 3,1946

Wearing the #47, Jungwirth ran out in Navy Blue for a single game in Season 1967. His only game was a victory over Fitzroy at Princes Park by 8 points.

Jungwirth was 183cm tall, and came in at 79 kilos. He had played 4 games and scored a goal for Melbourne during 1966.

Jungwirth was recruited from Melbourne/Murrumbeena High School.

Ron Auchettl: 4th August

Career : 1966 – 1969
Debut : Round 18, 1966 vs Geelong, aged 20 years, 23 days
Carlton Player No. 792
Games : 17
Goals : 8
Last Game : Round 17, 1969 vs Geelong, aged 23 years, 5 days
Guernsey Nos. 17 (1966) & 41 (1967-69)
Height : 184 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 84 kg (13 stone, 3 lbs.)
DOB : 4 August, 1946

Ron Auchettl (pronounced ‘Ocker-tell’) was a journeyman flanker who filled various roles at Carlton from 1966 to ’69 after being recruited from Merlynston in Melbourne’s north.

Ron’s time at Princes Park coincided with the legendary recruiting spree of the Barassi era, so he found himself part of one of the most talented player groups ever assembled by the Blues. This limited his opportunities, but his persistence still brought him 17 senior appearances and 8 goals in four seasons, including Carlton’s 29 point loss to Geelong in the 1967 Preliminary Final.

Ron captained the Blues’ Reserves team in his final season, then was cleared to Bendigo League heavyweights Castlemaine as captain-coach in 1970.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pics and bios.

Happy Birthday Alex Jesaulenko

Playing Career : 1967 – 1979
Debut : Round 1, 1967 vs Fitzroy, aged 21 years, 255 days
Carlton Player No. 793
Games : 256
Goals : 424
Last Game : Grand Final, 1979 vs Collingwood, aged 34 years, 57 days
Guernsey No. 25
Height : 182 cm (5 ft. 11½ in.)
Weight : 89 kgs (14 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : August 2, 1945
Premiership Player: 1968, 1970, 1972, 1979
Leading Goalkicker : 1969, 1970, 1971
Captain: 1975, 1976
Captain-Coach: 1978, 1979
Best and Fairest: 1975
Carlton Hall of Fame
Team of the Century
AFL Team of the Century
Carlton and AFL Legend

In 1995, legendary player and coach Ron Barassi published his memoirs, which included three teams made up of (a) the best players he had played alongside, (b) the best players he had coached, and (c) the best players he had seen, throughout his celebrated career that began in 1953 at Melbourne. Only two men made all three teams, and both were from Carlton; John Nicholls and Alex Jesaulenko. Nicholls of course, is widely regarded as Carlton’s greatest ruckman and most influential player. But when it comes to sheer football ability; to that rare spark of match-winning genius that sets champions apart, the immortal ‘Jezza’ – Alex Jesaulenko – has had few peers.

Born in Salzburg, Austria to Ukrainian migrants who later emigrated to Australia and settled in Canberra, Alex played soccer and rugby as a boy as well as having the occasional run in with a lorry. He was 14 before he discovered Aussie Rules, and only five years later he was a star in the local competition for Eastlake. Carlton soon had him in their sights, but North Melbourne swooped on him first and signed Alex to play with them on match permits.

It was certainly a rebuff, but Carlton’s recruiters would not be deterred. After convincing Alex and his parents that Princes Park offered greater opportunities than Arden Street, a loophole was found in the VFL’s regulations, and, much to the disgust of the Kangaroos, Carlton successfully appealled to have North’s agreement with Jesaulenko ruled invalid by the ANFC. In the summer of 1966, coach Ron Barassi welcomed Alex to Princes Park, where his form in both training, and pre-season trial matches, was nothing short of sensational.

He was named in the team for the Blues’ first match of 1967, and went on to play in all 20 games that season, including two finals. Wearing the number 25 that became his icon, and playing mainly as a half-forward flanker, he kicked 34 goals, won Carlton’s Best First Year Player Award, represented Victoria in that year’s Interstate Carnival – and finished third in the Brownlow Medal count – some kind of debut!

In subsequent years the crowd roar of “Jezzzaaa!!” swelled from the terraces at every Carlton game. It was a golden era for the Blues, and Alex was soon the team’s brightest star. A fabulous high mark, brilliant at ground level and deadly around the goals, he was also remarkably versatile. Although at 183 cm and 83 kg his build was more suited to the flank or the centre, during his career he played in every position on the ground except first ruck. And when he went to full-forward in 1970 he kicked 115 goals – still the only occasion a Carlton player has slotted the “ton”. On his way to that remarkable achievement, he scored 10.2 off his own boot in round six against Fitzroy.

Jezza played 256 memorable games for Carlton – none more so than the fabled 1970 Grand Final, where took his glorious “Mark of the Century” over Collingwood’s Graham Jenkin. However, perhaps the match that demonstrated his freakish ability best of all came in July, 1972 against Essendon at Princes Park. Essendon held a four-point lead at quarter-time that day, before a human cyclone in navy blue number 25 tore the game from the Bombers’ grasp in a few unbelievable minutes. A contemporary report from the game said; ‘In just eleven minutes in the second quarter, Carlton wizard Alex Jesaulenko kicked six goals, in a show-stopping demonstration of football magic.’

 

Thanks to the Blueseum for player pic and bio.

Richard Dennis

Career : 1987 – 1991
Debut : Round 2, 1987 vs Collingwood, aged 20 years, 247 days
Carlton Player No. 943
Games : 57
Goals : 40
Guernsey No. 3
Last Game : Round 21, 1991 vs St Kilda, aged 25 years, 9 days
Height : 185 cm (6 ft. 1 in.)
Weight : 82 kg (12 stone, 13 lbs.)
DOB : 31 July, 1966
Premiership Player 1987

Like his fellow West Australian Peter Sartori, Richard ‘Rocky’ Dennis was a boom recruit for the Blues whose career was derailed by a serious injury before it really got going. A courageous and versatile forward from East Perth, Dennis arrived at Princes Park in 1987 amid big expectations, and played in a Premiership team in his first year. Then, mid-way through his second season, one of his knees gave way, and from then on he was never quite the same player again.

Dennis stepped into the spotlight in Perth when he starred for the Royals as a teenager during 1985-’86. At 185 cm his strong marking allowed him to play as a key forward, although his agility at ground level made him more suited to a flankers’ role. Carlton believed that he could develop into a real attacking weapon alongside Stephen Kernahan and Sartori, and so presented him with the number 3 guernsey recently made famous by the Blues’ 1981 and ’82 Premiership captain Mike Fitzpatrick.

Dennis made a dream start to his new career, celebrating a win over Collingwood on debut at Waverley Park, and quickly establishing a regular place in a powerful Carlton line-up. Quick for his size and a good distributor of the ball on his preferred right foot, his form was so consistent by July that he was selected in the WA State of Origin team that met Victoria at Subiaco, and was narrowly beaten in a superb contest.

Spiro Kourkoumelis

Career : 1981 – 1986
Debut : Round 17, 1981 vs Melbourne, aged 17 years, 359 days
Carlton Player No. 897
Games : 62
Goals : 56
Last Game : Round 6, 1986 vs Sydney, aged 22 years, 277 days
Guernsey Nos. 49 (1981) and 28 (1982-86)
Height : 180 cm (5 ft. 11 in.)
Weight : 89 kg (14 stone, 0 lbs.)
DOB : 31 July, 1963

Had he played in any other era in Carlton’s history, the man with one of the longest names in the game; Spiro Kourkoumelis, would surely have played more than 100 senior matches for the Blues. Spiro was unlucky in that he emerged at Princes Park during Carlton’s golden decade of 1979 to 1987, when a star-studded playing list took the Old Dark Navy Blues to five Grand Final appearances and four Premierships. However, that success also restricted the opportunities for a group of very capable players like Kourkourmelis, who didn’t always get the opportunities his talent deserved.

After being recruited from local club Princes Hill in 1979, Kourkoumelis was part of Carlton’s Under 19 flag side later that same year. Still just 16 years old, he represented Victoria in the elite Teal Cup interstate competition in 1980, and by 1981 was knocking on the door of senior selection at Carlton after a series of eye-catching matches with the Reserves. Meanwhile, his younger brother Peter had joined him at Princes Park, and was in the midst of his handful of games with the Under 19’s. The problem for Spiro however, was that he was competing for a midfield-forward role in the Blues’ senior team against the likes of Barry Armstrong, Jim Buckley, David Glascott, Wayne Harmes, Ken Sheldon, Wayne Johnston, Greg Wells – and at least three or four others.

Kourkoumelis wasn’t a gazelle on the field, but his ball-gathering ability and disposal were first-rate. He was an ideal link-up player through the middle of the ground, and always a threat around the goals. Eventually, an injury to Wells provided the opportunity Spiro had been craving, and he was named to make his senior debut in the centre for Carlton against Melbourne at Princes Park in round 17, 1981 – six days before his 18th birthday. Wearing guernsey number 49, he got away to a dream start, too, by kicking a goal with his first kick, after receiving a gift handball from ‘Bomba’ Sheldon in front of the Heatley Stand. Carlton went on to destroy Melbourne by 73 points that day, on the way to the 1981 Premiership. However for Kourkoumelis, it was to be his one and only senior match for the season.

Warren McKenzie

Career: 1985-1990
Debut: Round 12, 1985 vs Footscray
930th Carlton Player
Games: 67
Goals: 43
Last game: Round 22, 1990 vs Fitzroy
Guernsey No. 45
Height: 190cm
Weight: 86kg
DOB: 31 July, 1964
Premiership Player: 1987

Warren McKenzie played 67 games from 1985 kicking 43 goals. McKenzie wore the number 45 guernsey for Carlton. He was recruited from Mooroolbark, this was in the the Carlton zone in the Eastern Suburbs.

McKenzie played in Carlton’s 1987 Grand Final victory over the Hawks. Prior to that victory, he and fellow Blue, Shane Robertson played in three straight losing Grand Finals for the Blues, they were 1984 and 1985 Reserve Grand Finals, and the 1986 Senior Grand Final.

In 1988, Warren McKenzie suffered a serious knee injury mid-season, that ruled him out of the remaining part of the season. It also took him a while to get going the follwoing year after this serious setback.

After 1990, McKenzie was transferred to the Swans where he played for a further 2 seasons. Carlton traded McKenzie for the No.2. pick in the National Draft so that they could secure James Cook.

After two years in Sydney, McKenzie packed his bags at the end of the 1992 season and headed back to Victoria. He later lined up for VFA Club Sandringham for the 1993 season.

Thanks to the Blueseum for player bios and pics.