Here we are once again, at the time of the year where so much is happening behind the scenes and we are all left wondering, hoping, to see some improvement. This offseason however, we are at the verge of something truely great; or if not great, at least something different to the oh-so-familiar feeling left in our stomachs over the last 3-4 years. Week in, week out we have been left standing in disbelief at the site we have seen. The Carlton of the 70's and 80's is a totally different team to the side that takes the field for us today. Some would argue that they were better, whilst others would argue they played a totally different brand of football in their day. Regardless, the side we have seen in these 'dark days' has lacked the skill and poise, let alone a gameplan capable of winning - and that is what separates us from the rest, as well as what seperates us from previous versions of our own team.
Whether we choose to believe it or not, we are moving forward. We are moving forward so fast that it is scarey; we have developed so much that our team may be a competitive team as soon as 2007. In the space of one year we have said goodbye to our home of over 100 years, and now we have also said goodbye to the logo we have become so used to. Though some are against the many changes taking place, they can only be seen as a sign of the future. The club has sent us a message that they are prepared to shed the horrors, and glory, of the past to look ahead to the many obstacles that await. The new logo and homeground, as bad a decision as some of it may be, are a constant reminder of the future. With a brand new crop of talent now comes: a new look logo, and a new homeground(s). To many, the side that takes the field next season may seem foreign or unknown, though the one thing remains deep inside of every player representing the navy blue guernsey - the navy blue spirit; the spirit that arcs up everytime they walk into Princes park to train, the spirit that tries to leap out of their throat when they kick that miracle goal. The one thing that keeps our team going, and always will, is the determination to live up to the name - Carlton Football Club. Carlton Football Club. It is a determination to represent the name, the colour and most of all; the history.
Many of us find it hard to stay entertained through the offseason. If any, this offseason would have to be the most exciting so far. Many new faces trying to make their way as a footballer - not only a footballer, but as an elite footballer. Football is now not just a sport, it is their profession. Not all of us are able to make it to training, but those of us who have know that their is a buzz out there. An excitement if you will. This offseason is, to me, an overly important time for the club. A good lead-up to a season can make a world of difference. The times they are a-changin, and i can now see that The Carlton Football Club is ready for the unknown. We are an exciting young team and i cant wait to see what some of the new guys can do.
I guess the purpose of this post was to tell everyone to hang tough. We all want to hear news from the club on how they are going and many, including myself, get restless without the constant flow of inside information. There is not long to go now. Hang in there, 2006 holds exciting times for us all and I can't wait to see how things have progressed since our very last encounter in the AFL.
Cheers, The Shag.
_________________ R A D I C A L B R O T H E R S
Inspired by the One-Minute Sculptures of Erwin Wurm
"All in all is all we are..."
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