As we draw near to the end of 2007 and look forward to 2008, I feel a line has been drawn in the sand by the Carlton Football Club. From the president down to each individual supporter we have collectively said we shall yield no more. I feel we are all together now ready to face any onslaught. To rise to the highest challenges. To start the arduous climb back to the top. And lets face it, the top for Carlton is nothing short of premierships. As a club and as supporters we have never settled for anything less.

- A line was drawn in the sand .... when Judd chose to come to Carlton. When in the past few years has a player of note WANTED to come to Carlton? Yet a few months ago the greatest player in the land (and a great role model to the rest of our team), saw something great brewing at Carlton and chose us among noted others.

- A line was drawn in the sand .... when Josh Kennedy clearly didn't want to leave the Blues. A couple of years ago and players would have been scrambling to leave us. This is a small but sure sign that we have turned the corner and heading back in the right direction. I wish him and his career all the best (except against us of course!!)

- A line has been drawn in the sand ... by our young leaders. Murphy, Gibbs, Walker, et cetera. Little snippets you read and see and you can just tell that they are sick of losing and are going to do everything they can to make this club successful.

- A line was drawn in the sand ... when Pagan was removed in favour of Ratten. Regardless of what you thought of Pagan, results (and development) were less than expected in his tenure at the club. And at the very least he does seem to have been a polarising figure. That's something we cant afford as our list nears completion.

- A line was drawn in the sand ... when we upgraded (or began upgrading) the football department facilities to equal most of the other teams in the competition. No matter content with second rate facilities we need to get the best out of our players and give them the preparation they need to achieve the ultimate success.

- A line was drawn in the sand ... when we told Lance we will not carry you for another year. Especially when you have not shown the dedication to get your body right. The club stood its ground on this matter and were proved right.

- And finally and most significantly a line was drawn in the sand ... when Dick Pratt became our president. But rather than be content with a line in the sand he created a huge moat around princes park. But Dick refused to remain defensive. Like Hannibal crossing the Alps to take on Rome, he invoked the Carlton Gods of old and went on the offensive. Our financial situation, his role and expertise in getting Judd, the player facilities, recruiting Swann, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. He has more than any other person said enough is enough, we will not yield anymore.

There is still a lot of hard work to do from everybody including us supporters, but we have turned the corner as a club, as a team and as supporters. 2008 will be the year the rest start fearing us again!!!!!!

Happy new year everyone!!!

Kaxsta

yep, pretty good... though I recon swann and icke should have their own "line in the sand" paragraphs

_________________
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

Amen!

_________________
[Sam Jacobs] looks like a 7' Lance Whitnall, and [Mitch Robinson] looks like a 4' Lance Whitnall
(The SEN team during the Carlton v Cats 2009 pre-season match)

Nice post kaxsta.

_________________
Click here to follow TalkingCarlton on twitter
TalkingCarlton Posting Rules

A line was drawn in the sand when they were playing beach cricket in Torquay - it was called the crease....

TTD!!

_________________
The problem will be made. for the solution to be sold, to your face before your eyes, tolerance is now the new danger

POW Kaxsta and Time 2 D that was very funny. Everyone is in good form coming up to the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.

_________________
1945 - End of round 3 Carlton was last.

Last round Carlton made the final four for the first time.

Eventual premiers.

That's what I'm talking about!

damn... I thought I missed an important one. In fact I thought I probably missed quite a few.

i was going to add swann.

it eeks and disturbs me no end something is building at princes park. some clubs better make the most of this year because i reckon your guys will be there or thereabouts come 2009.

when watching the insipid displays of your mob over the last couple of years has provided no end of joy but it will be pleasing to win when you're competitive.

_________________
“Hope? Let me tell you something, my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.”