Just because I'm a former Carlton player and coach, some people believe I have it in for the Bombers. I don't think I do. And after a bit of research, there's absolutely no reason why I should. You see, in the 16 years I played for and coached Carlton (1967-78 and 1986-89), we belted the Bombers continually.

It's all a bit sad really. There was only one year in that 16, 1968, when Essendon* finished above us on the ladder. In fact, between 1968 and 1974, the Blues won 13 consecutive clashes, so in that period you could say there was no rivalry because it was all one-way traffic.

Twenty years earlier, I'd been a kid in the crowd, wearing an Essendon* jumper and dreaming of being a Charlie Payne or Fraser.

But because I lived in Brunswick, I was just out of Essendon*'s zone and in Carlton's. How lucky can you get?

love this bit

I always thought he hated Essendon* because in one of his final games, while being carried off on a stretcher at Windy Hill, Bomber supporters hurled abuse at him and, I think, even spat on him.

Could be wrong though.