Went along last night & it was well worth it.
For a start the TV screens were showing pro Carlton highlights of last season (& yes it actually was a lengthy display
). I got a bit enthralled in watching it & zoned out of some of the early interviews with Lance & Kouta, but it was just a really great package because it wasn't just the goals, it was tackles, bumps & marks aswell. Kudos to whoever put it together!
The evening was MC'd by the efferfescent Diggers Morrell who made that many lame jokes throughout the night about his own weight & lack of hair that he really will make a great father one day, if he is not already one! I should point out that Digby mentioned the Sticks Room soc club at TD will be open for all supporters at Saturday's match, not just social clubbers but everybody which is great news. It was closed for the Ess game which had us a bit confused but we're back in on Saturday folks.
First up on stage was Ken Hands, who spoke a bit about the bloodbath grand final (attended by 62,000 at PP), but also very candidly stressed the importance of the club ensuring the players are busy & occupied away from footy. Ken seemed to feel strongly about this & as a bloke from an era where players had full time jobs it is understandable.
A couple of announcements for long term members followed; one person since 1931 & another a member since 1930!! Apologies I can't recall the names but superb effort anyway!!
Lance was next up; the thing that I liked was when asked about if he was expecting big things from the first year players, straight away he said to be honest he's more thinking of the output of guys like Simmo Fisher Walks etc, who have been in the system for a few years now. For the first year players he mainly wanted them to have fun this year & enjoy themselves, which I thought was a good answer. He always seems to hurry his words a bit big Lance, but I reckon he's getting more & more comfortable at interviews. Nice to see his wife there too looking happy & mingling with players & friends.
Andy Mackay followed & had a bit of a laugh about his first 3 kicks in footy being out on the full; I couldn't actually remember that but he mentioned it was the Fitzroy game in 93 where Michael Dunstan (his man) kicked 5 goals & won the game for the Lions. He emphasised to the young brigade that football 'will suck at times' but to keep your chin up because it will only get better, & will ulimately all fall into place. Backed up Lance's words that they really want the youngsters to enjoy themselves.
Kouta arrived shortly after, his newly shaven scone turning heads as he made his way in. He was in shorts & looked extremely fit; I couldn't believe how cut the guys calves are - maybe from the dancing over summer. Got up & said a few words, mainly about the new 'do'. He got it done by a mate in the backyard & waited til after the event to tell his mrs what he'd done. I reckon it looks great anyway, albeit a little like Fraser Gehrig!!
Digby then interviewed each of the first years, very briefly. By far the biggest applause was for Cameron Cloke. He really comes across as an intelligent young guy, speaks well & was not phased at all being in front of a crowd. Said he phoned all the clubs before the PSD & Carlton were the last club he called but the only one to put him straight through to the coach. Pagan was honest with him & he was honest with Pagan. Got invited to train the next day & was told there would be no promises, but sure enough we took him & I'd say every one there last night was rapt that we did by the reception the guy got. Very tactfully said he didn't really follow a team when he was a kid, said his dad now 'loves the joint' for giving Cam a chance & got a huge cheer when he closed it out saying he just wants to stick it up Collingwood now.
Also noticed Roddy Ashman & the Hyphen mingling among the faithful.
Was getting ready to leave when thankfully Keyser Sose twisted my rubber arm into staying for a bit & getting some pics with the players. I have already emailed Tyrants the one of me & Gibbs with the comment "I've cut your lunch" - his response ":gutted:"
Gibbs was surrounded by kids (even 33 y.o. ones
) but handled it really well; he's a very relaxed person, genuine too, looks you in the eye when he says g'day & told us his thumb was OK 7 wasn't wearing a guard for it.
Glad I stayed on as I had a brief chat to Ando & Clint Benjamin after Bryce. They are playing in Geelong on the weekend with the match starting at 8.45am. I asked Ando if he's ever played that early & they joked that they've never actually pulled themselves out of bed by 8.45 before! Mentioned they might have to look into staying overnight in Geelong the night before to ease the strain
. Benji makes his return this weekend to the side & will play a half.
Said g'day to Clokey, must admit I got a bit stuck for words so I just opted to tell him 'you're playing good footy' about 2047 times, which he seemed to appreciate!
Finally we went over to Hampo & Jacobs. I really don't think it's too early to say that they are the 2 greatest blokes of all time. Both were extremely laid back & cruisey & could have been anyone. Hampo is a classic, I told him I saw him play a good game for the Ants on Sunday & he said I must really rate players who drop marks!! Asked him how he will cope when the Melb weather starts to get colder & he replied 'you mean it gets colder than this?'
Great guy & is pretty keen on soccer, at which point Keyser & he did the talking as I had nuthin'. Sam Jacobs' told us about how he broke his finger; it was at training & Libba was booting the ball at them at close range to mark. They both thought he was going pretty hard but he told them that was just a warm up, & then, bang, the next kick he snapped it! But it's pretty right now. Both were Brisbane Lions supporters growing up but I have a nice feeling that will be out the door on Saturday night.
All in all a really nice evening, didn't see too many TCers I know but I'm sure there would have been a number of us there. Great job Carlton!
Go Blues
