Ok, feeling a tad dusty today. But what a great night!
(I've got wav files of Bolts interviews but not sure how to link/upload them)
First off was a VIP function for the Jumper sponsors. All players in attendance and we were introduced to Kristian. Matt Korcheck is bloody enormous! McKay looks like he’ll be a big unit.
Andy Maher was MC’ing and had a good 5 minute chat with Bolts. I like the way he speaks. Its calm and measured and instils confidence that he has a clear direction for the club and the group. The mantra of "get comfortable being uncomfortable". “Reset” got a bit if a workout. Andy then spoke to Ed and Docherty. One thing that was evident was how tough their pre-season was and how Bolts would often make them think they were finishing a session then they’d be hit with a significant extra workload. They also spoke about times when they would be hit with a mental exercise/task after a thorough physical workout.
Then into the ballroom for the main event. Seated with Kristian, Cam Wood, Matt Whiley and Jason Tutt. Plenty of speeches but the message coming through loud and clear is definitely one of ‘reset’. Everyone seemed fully aware of the long slog ahead for us, from the prez down, but the vibe was definitely upbeat. Bolt’s spoke for only about 5 minutes, but it was to the point. “United” was his theme and he talked about “Sum of the parts”. They showed a minute and a half clip of the session where Fitzy, Sticks, Parko, Maclure, Wallsy spoke to the current group about where Carlton was, and what it will take to get us back there. It was great vision and had us all ready to run out on the ground!
Juddy, Armfield and Jamo got their life time memberships. Bit of a chat with the younger guys. Weitering is amazing. Composed, eloquent and self confident. Jack talked about the excitement of being drafted and playing on the hallowed turf on Sunday and how Fev would always have a kick with him in the locker room when he came to the club as a young kid. KJ also confirmed that they are calling him SOJ and he’s not a fan of it so I think it’s almost stuck!
There was a panel discussion of the coaches and sure, it’s for the supporters, but I got a real feel of a group working well together and I was really impressed that the coaching panel are encouraged to question each other. I think that thats Neil Craig’s role. A bit like Executive Officers in the military. To always sound out a different view with the commander to ensure the best decision is made. He seems a great asset.
They also did a promo for a “Coach’s club” and asked people to come up on stage if they wanted to commit @ $1,100 each which gets you a dinner with Bolts and attendance at a training session. I don’t think they were expecting the 100 + people who got up! Bolts joked he thought his wife would be the only one to buy it as it was probably her only way of seeing him for dinner.
My guest Jim, KJ and a very happy me
Spoke with Kristian over the night. He, Cam and Whiley all echoed the brutality of the pre-season. Here in no particular order are my recollections (from a bloody fuzzy brain!)
• he confirmed he hasn't been injured, but has in fact been ill. I was asked not to say what it was. It wasn’t serious but was enough to keep him off the track for a few weeks which has set him back, especially as he lost some weight.
• happy to be back in Melbourne and currently living with mum and dad in Hawthorn
• studying business, slowly as he can only do a unit a semester. Keen to get into financial planning which is what his dad does
• he wants to play forward but conceded he will play be playing back
• we talked about the demands on players these days and things like social media etc. As tough as it is, they understand it comes with the territory of being an AFL footballer
• key difference between Malthouse and Bolton - Malthouse was man on man. Bolts is about zones
Was pretty impressed with Whiley. Sees his strengths as getting the ball and delivering to runners. Frustrated with injury last year and confident to make an impact this year. His enthusiasm was infectious! Cam was like the old veteran.
It’s a long night but had an absolute ball (and a few too many reds!). Was great to be rubbing shoulders with the club’s royalty. Thanks to all of you who chip in for our sponsorship, we even got some extra ad lib from Andy
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