RickJ wrote:
The great one, in my view the greatest, turns 69 today.
Trying to tell my 21 year old son why he was so special. I didn't know where to start.
Didn't touch a football until he was 14, and yet debuted for Carlton at age 21 in 1967 and came THIRD in the Brownlow in his first ever year of VFL football. Talk about rising star.
Kicked 115 goals in 1970 in his first year as FF. Yet was equally astonishing at HFF, midfield, and in his later years across half back. Could play anywhere and beat anyone.
Kicked 6 goals in 12 minutes during the second quarter at PP against Essendon** in ?1972, which could arguably be considered the single most dominating brief burst of football by an individual player ever seen on an AFL field.
Mark of the Century in 1970 GF not just because of its pure aesthetic perfection, but because of its significance early in the comeback third quarter in the biggest game of all.
The sealer in the 70GF, in those heart stopping final minutes. In traffic just forward of centre, Jezza swooped, noticed an empty forward line, and kicked it end over end with his left foot. A ball that bounced and bounced through for the winner. Pandemonium. No other player could have fashioned a kick like that.
The mark of the century was not even jezza's best. I reckon that one goes to a breathtaking three tiered pack mark Heatley end PP against Richmond, i think in 1970 or 71. If you can find it on black and white footage on YouTube, just listen to the crowd.
He was the most adored and electrifying player I ever saw, akin to only Gary Ablett Senior but without the psycho (credit to anon who coined this)
Just like Elvis, his early period was best, and forgotten by many.
Happy birthday champ. Live a long and healthy life.
Great post Rick.
I know there is a lot of fond memories for Carlton supporters about the 81 and 82 flags but I barely remember them.
I was still in mourning that he'd left.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
