Thank you Mr Pratt. I have been battling to convince my 6 year old son to support Carlton for the past few years. His feral colonwood mates don't help but ever since you signed up the best player in the AFL, JUDD he now confidently claims to be a Blues boy through and through.
My biggest concern over the past few years has been the impact on our next generation of supporters (will we become like richmond and only have 40+ supporters with very few young kids?), the efforts of you and your team will have an immediate impact on the perception of our club by young supporters who will be the life blood of the club in years to come.
Congratulations.

I have been reading this forum for well over a year now but chose not to register as I did not think that I had anything to add that hadn't already been discussed by the passionate and informed posters who represent the majority on this board. But this one topic has pushed me to register as I want to express my personal heartfelt gratitude to Mr Pratt and what he has done for our club.

Like so many on here, I was despondent through the dark years yet maintained my membership and went alone to watch us get beaten week in week out. Some would consider this masochistic self-harm but I had to give something back to the team that had given me so much in previous years. I wore the taunts of the opposition supporters (yes and I remember who you are) as deep inside I knew that one day the sun will break through and herald a new era of domination for our great team.

The sun rose when Mr Richard Pratt had the kahunas to put his hand up and not only this but carried through with the appointments of Swann, Icke, Judd et al. This guy has single-handedly raised the club from the depths of despair when all other football "gurus" had announced our death. Well we are here (shouting in your face) to state that the announcement of our demise has been greatly exaggerated.

So from the depths of my heart I would like to say a huge THANK YOU, if ever these words could express what you have done for me and so many others.

PS. Please stay as our President if it is your desire to do so. Although you have made us so much stronger than before I would love you to be there when we hold premiership 17 aloft.

Regards,


Michael.

Mr Pratt

Firstly you don't know how happy you have made us Carlton supporters. This time last year I went to the AGM, and I was so upset at the state of my club. I was really worried about my club.

Then I saw that you were going to be our president, and I actually cried with happiness. I thought finally.

You have gone above and beyond what I have ever thought you could do for this club in the space of 12 months.

Please stay on, and WHEN YOU are ready, hand the reigns to someone with your blessing. I am sure you will make the right decision when the time comes.

I love this club so so much, you have been a blessing to us Carlton supporters. I don't care about all the negative stuff you have been though, because I see all the good things you have done and will continue to do in the future.

Thanks so much, and Have a Merry Merry Christmas.

Lets have a great 2008 Hey.

Mr Pratt please ignore the clowns in the media who continue to make their ridiculous claims, I'm pretty confident all Carlton people are delighted to have you as President and wish for you to remain until you see fit to leave on your own terms.

What you and your team have achieved since taking over puts all the other clubs in the shade, and their supporters (esp. P.Smith) know it.

As others have mentioned, Carlton kids have copped it in the playground for the past few years, but thats about to change - my 8 & 4yr old sons will be once again able to hold their head up high when footy season comes around.

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Dear Dick
You have been obviously heavily involved in bringing the right infrastructure off field .

Now its time for the coaching staff and players to deliver.
Hope the players take your lead and not accept crap peformances.

Stay on as President after this year because lets hope success onfield isnt far away.

Ditto

Hey carltn70 welcome aboard. Glad you've posted your views and hopefully we are all about to enjoy the benefits of Mr Pratt's efforts.

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A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.

When I saw him slowly make his way up to the back of the Heately Stand last Sat, soaking wet, signing autographs, getting his photo taken with supporters of all ages I thought what a blessing this man has been for our great club.

Thanks Richard

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Cheats never prosper (except in the AFL)

Welcome to TC guys.

Everyone has something to add here as everyone has a diferent view.

Feel free to visit the TalkingIntroductions forum and tell us a little more on how you came to support the Blues, your favourite memories, favourite players and anything else you'd like to share.

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"The ability to speak doesn't make you intelligent." Qui-Gon Jinn 15-05-2005

"there’s more chance of me becoming the full forward for the [Western Bulldogs] than there is of any change in the Labor Party." Julia Gillard 18-05-2010

SEE !!!!!!!!!!! all you guys thought that "The Big Sinner" was nothing more than a boots and all bar room brawler.I have been tellin' ya all that he was a big softie at heart.It was only a matter of time before his sensitive side came out.
Seriously,a great post big fella.And i fully concur.As you guys know,i always see the light at the end of the tunnel.But i gotta admit,i was wavering deep inside.But this great fella Pratt has fully restored my faith and optimism.Reckon he done a miraculous job and i thank him from the bottom of my heart.

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All my dangerous friends

Cheers RP....Been a big year for you in more ways than one, as I was posting a Xmas parcel to the wifes relatives in Sydney and saw the recycle sign on the box I figured i have probably paid a bit more for that box than I should have, cos you have been a naughty boy, but on reflection I probably got the better end of the deal when you saved my footy club and whats a few cardboard boxes between friends anyway...
Masterstroke recruiting Greg Swann and then following up with Chris Judd...pretty good Chrissie presents for all Blues supporters......all the best to the Pratts for the festive season and I hope Synbads new friend is cancer free in 2008 and enjoying his footy a bit more courtesy of Richard Pratt....

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"When you have the attitude of a champion, you see adversity as your
training partner."
- Conor Gillen

Sincere gratitude and thanks to a great man of the Carlton FC, but also that of society. You have made a significant difference to the lives of many Carlton folk and the building blocks set now will be the foundation for sustained success over a long period for this club. Your legacy will be one that will NEVER be forgotten and live in the memory of thousands for generations to come.

Good health Richard and best wishes over the festive season to you and your family.

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For some silly reason, you people want to assassinate him, and it's just rubbish. You people. All of you, ALL of you!

Dear Mr Pratt,
What you've done for our club in the last 12 months has been truly inspiring. Your speach upon accepting the presidency was a sign of the achievements that lay ahead. You spoke about looking to the future & not the past - those comments were music to my ears after suffering at the hands of Pagan, Smorgon & Co who constantly referred to draft penalties, fines etc from the past that affected their ability to map a rosier future.

You spoke about your motivation for accepting the presidency was about the recapturing the children & grandchildren of us older folk who were fortunate enough to witness the glory days of the past. To hear a 73yo incoming president talk about such things was a truly wonderful thing.

And how prophetic your words were. My 7yo son cried at the Essendon* game at the end of the year - he was sick of losing & told me he was going to barrack for another team soon if we didn't start winning games.

He's back on board big time now, he's added the Judd jumper to his Mark Murphy one & is as confident as I am of a brighter future ahead.

Thanks Mr Pratt - you've turned up the voltage on the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you Richard Pratt for rescuing our beleaguered club and stopping the rot.
We had been become a huge mess and laughing stock of the league.
Your great passion, vision , work rate , and generosity for our club is and has been exemplary.
If our young boys are able to transfer just a little segment of your energy and courage we will surly be the Mighty Blues once again,
Ciao

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Go Blue Boys

I have a picture of four carlton teams on the wall next to my desk at work.



One is the 1938 premiership team... love seeing those navy blue faces - Hale, Green, Crisp, Park etc.. all as tough as nails.


The other is of the 1970 premiership team. No further words are needed.


the 3rd picture is of the 1987 premierhsip team.

Tommy Alvin sits on the front row next to Sticks, Walls, Madden and Glascott. On the top row is Hunter, Dennis and Rhys-Jones – all of whom played (coached re walls) with distinction in the 1987 grand final.



And then finally is the picture of 1953 reserve grade team. Richard Pratt sits arms folded in the front row.

Written next to him I have written the words - "Carlton's redeemer."

Really says it all. Thanks Richard.

Dear Mr. Pratt:

I can only echo the posts of those above me. This great club has reclaimed its confidence in itself, and you are almost solely responsible for this. When we are back on that dais with number 17, not one Carlton person could dispute the immense role you played in bringing it about.

Thank you for everything, and GO BLUES!

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Cer 'ch 'n alluog Blues

Dear Mr Pratt,

Thank you for putting the smile back on my face again and for giving my two daughters 7 & 8 yo the chance to experience what I once took for granted. As at 45yo I must say that I have been spoilt.

I was running out of excuses for my girls as it was difficult to get them to try to enjoy something that was obviously making me extremely sullen.

Present day they are excited and both have orders in for CFC Jumpers with wait for it.................No 5 on their backs.

I'm as proud as punch and looking foward to something which I believe is going to eventually be STUNNING!

I can never repay you Mr Pratt, we like all other Carlton supporters are forever in your debt.

Do you know what is particularly pleasing?
There is terror in all opposition supporters eyes. They are truely fearful.

They bagged us while we were down, they are bagging us while we are recovering and they will bag the living crapola out of us when we are wiping the floor with them...bring it on!!!!!

Just one question...Who are you getting us for Christmas next year?

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"The Ox is Slow but the Earth is Patient" and don't forget it!

That's awesome that this thread has encouraged you two guys to make your first posts. Whether you continue to contribute, or resettle into the background, it says a lot about how Pratt has reached out and given the average supporter their sense of pride back.

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Pratt was great at the AGm on Tuesday evening - he even had a cold beer with the supporteres afterwards.

I must say that he did look a little frail physically. His mind was sharp but he moved like a glacier. I dont really know him so maybe that has always been the way he moves. I do recall AGM's in the in the past were he was a director (basically driving carlton, no matter what Big jack will tell you know - it was Pratt that pushed everything from behind the scenes)

He is a very humble person and told everyone at the AGM how he played 2nd's and 3rd's footy with carlton and that HE LOVE's THIS CLUB. And he got a huge applause when he said that noone will tell him when to leave his club. I think all were glad to hear that he is staying on for 2008 and MAYBE beyond that. I think he smells a finals appearnace in the air.

Isnt it great that people are constantly ringing SEN and 3AW bagging the blues? Its a sign of fear. It happened the moment Judd decided to choose the Blues. Jesus what else could he do, go to the tigers or the magpies - GIVE US A BREAK

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The Wisdom of a Fool is Profound

Camelboy, cheers I have been following this site for many years even back during the TBV days i'm just happy to read and watch and learn from people in the know such as Synners, Josh, Kennyh and the like...including Melvey (who can forget his efforts leading up to trade week )

I've never had the urge to post but what Mr Dick has done is beyond words so i thought my time to thank him had come.

It's the least I could do