Nice try.

Actions speak louder than words.

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I AM DISENFRANCHISED

Plenty of emotion and disappointment in this thread which is understandable.
Firstly, let's not rewrite history here, SoC was not set up as a past players association. It was formulated to support the players during a difficult time in the mid 2000s.
Several ex players and officials were disappointed with the lack of funding the football department was receiving and the disconnect that had been created between the incumbent Carlton players and the success of the past.

Supporters were included because money was required. Golf days, dinners etc. These functions raised significant amounts of money which funded many of the items now utilised items our players enjoy.

The reason for the recent change of direction is obvious. The club now funds its football department adequately so the supporters funds are no longer required. Consequently, the supporters/members are no longer required.

As someone who contributed several thousands of dollars to SoC early in the piece sponsoring golf holes etc, I'm not overly disappointed. I rarely attended functions and never attended SoC match day functions etc anyway.
Plus I'm conditioned to the way CFC now operates. I no longer worry about closed training sessions etc because I've emotionally weened myself off the club to a certain extent.

Who is the loser out of the "new Carlton" mentality? Perhaps some will say me because I've lost some of the emotional attachment to the club. I see it that the club is the loser.
Instead of putting 40-50k per annum into the club, I now buy 2 reserved seats which I rarely use. I rarely take my sons to the games so they've found other interests as well.

To those feeling aggrieved. I say to you, I feel for you and your feelings of disappointment but its time to face reality.
When the club needs you. It will use you and take advantage of your attachment to it. I don't blame the club for this. It was on its knees and it did what it needed to to survive.
When the club has money in its pocket. You need to know your place. You're a supporter who is appreciated but your rightful place is on the periphery. Compared to those on the inside, you are a second class citizen.

Accept these facts and you'll feel much better about your role within the club.

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Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.

Extremely well put BV. I too am weening myself off the club. Fool me once...

[youtube]rovQj9vNq8I[/youtube]

Does anyone know how many SOC members were not past players and not a member of the club?

excellent question, I'd also like to know how they intend to raise funds in the future, or are they just reverting to an old boys club that get together?

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Between our dreams and actions lies this world

Well put BV.

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

The only way to maintain your devotion to the club is to deliberately keep a distance from reality; maintain the childlike and unthinking devotion you had as a kid.

The more you know about the machinations, the less you'll like it.

I received this email yesterday and whilst I think it was a bit late, I think it pretty much resolves the issues I had about how the transition was handled.



" Dear Spirit of Carlton Member,

The executive wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to you, as a valued participant in the Spirit of Carlton Past & Present (SoC) for supporting the cause over these past five years, as together we’ve contributed to the resurgence and reinvigoration of the Carlton Football Club (CFC).

As you may be aware, the SoC has undergone significant structural changes in the lead-up to the 2012 season – primarily to ensure that the SoC works more closely with the CFC to utilise the Club’s substantial resources as it strives for its 17th premiership and nears the 150th anniversary of its existence.

Accordingly, the SOC will now conduct its activities more along the lines of a past players’ association to help realise its and the CFC’s short and long-term objectives.

The 2012 Executive Team is as follows;

David Rhys-Jones (President); Geoff Southby (Secretary); Jason Reddick (Treasurer/Public Officer (CFC)); Matthew Hogg, Alex Marcou, David McKay and Dennis Munari (Exec Members/General Committee); Mandy Hunter (Marketing Support (CFC)); and Jamie Sanderson (Website Manager).

As the SoC is reverting back to a past & present players and officials group, membership will no longer be available to supporters. As such, the SoC encourages you, as a passionate supporter, to acquire a CFC membership package.

However, please note the SoC has set aside the match day event on May 6 for you to join past players and officials in a special SoC tribute to CFC supporters for contributing to the cause over the past five years. Ticketing and seating will be available to you at a cost on the day, with more details to follow.

Key events for 2012 are a Theme Lunch celebrating the 40th & 30th Anniversaries of the 1972 & 1982 premierships scheduled for Friday, August 3 at Etihad Stadium; and a Past Players’ Annual dinner scheduled for Wednesday, September 12 at Visy Park.

Two matchday events have also been confirmed for Etihad Stadium – a Past Player Father/Son & Daughter Day (Round 6, Sunday, May 6); and 1987 Premiership 25th Anniversary Day (Round 8, Sunday, May 20).

The Golf Day and Dinner will not be staged in 2012.

The SoC can also confirm the distribution of funds to the following key categories in 2012 - CFC Players (new tech equipment and facilities for team and individual performance improvement); needy past player welfare & support; SoC/CFC history management; and administration & running costs

In closing, all at the SoC look forward to your on-going valued support in 2012 in what will unquestionably be an exciting season for the Mighty Blues.

Yours sincerely,

The Executive, SoC "

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“Before you criticise someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticise them, you're a mile a way and you have their shoes."

Only they would know those figures. When SoC communicated to its current or past members via group e-mail, there were 870 people on that list. Quite a few of those people are past players (even if they never played a game, like Cameron Croad), so it'd be a matter of going through that list and sorting out who was past player/official or supporter. I don't have the time to do that.

Absolutely!

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The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
So hard to earn, so easily burned
In the fullness of time
A garden to nurture and protect

#DopeThenStash

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"Hence you will not say that Greeks fight like heroes but that heroes fight like Greeks"?

Winston Churchill

That's some weird alien baby, agro.

it's got a bit of a look about it

Oscar Judd Doll $29.99 at the Carlton Shop (shoulder tape and batteries not included).

Hmmphh!!

If they were sincere about that, they would have hand knitted the message on to a CFC scarf for you.

A hand knitted message on a CFC scarf. For every non player member of SOC. (Good on you guys for contributing. )

Yeah...I'd like to see that.

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That’s not a political statement — it’s a harsh reality, and we must act,” she said. “He is a clear and present danger to the things that keep us strong and free. I support impeachment.”

Point of order, Mr President! Oscar is a future player, not a past one, As such, he is ineligible for SoC membership!

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And so while others miserably pledge themselves to the pursuit of ambition and brief power, I will be stretched out in the shade, singing.

Is that a Northern Blues top.?

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I hope Essendon* folds.

Oscar will be an eligible future player when his father plays 12 more games.

And I believe the "alien baby" comes from an online Carlton Shop Catalogue for Carlton Baby Clothes.

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"Hence you will not say that Greeks fight like heroes but that heroes fight like Greeks"?

Winston Churchill

You club apologists have got to wake up and smell the coffee. The real reason SOC was moved to past players and officials only is because Bob Lowry was the only one that had the courage to stand up to the club. The CFC functions etc. have no feel of culture about them: they just want the money and run. So this was a victim of it's own success.

Leaches like Anothony Barham were worried about the success of this and the ever increasing difficulties he had in making budget. So they all white anted Bob Lowry.

The club also deliberately made life very difficult for SOC to then take over. Many examples of this are available if you lik?

Now Barham, Reddick and Mandy Hunter can try to live oFf the success of the past administration. Good luck they will fail miserably.

The club as we knew it is dead. CFC provides you a website and match day entry andvthat is all. There is no more "club" it is merely a franchise. Very sad.

edited for cheap plug

*runs away*