Pratt was a very reluctant public figure, and also I'm sure was not interested in developing a cult of personality. I have no personal knowledge but would guess that while he would have liked to be remembered, he mightn't have gone in for the overt mawkishness that seems to overwhelm people these days at these times. Seemed a pretty straight up no-bullsh!t guy.

And if they can't that's footy. Dick would understand.

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"One of my favorite philosophical tenets is that people will agree with you only if they already agree with you. You do not change people's minds." - Frank Zappa

Indeed. The boys trying their hardest for the club each week would be all RP would want, I'm sure, win lose or draw. And with the talent we know we have if they do that, there sould be more wins than losses.

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And so while others miserably pledge themselves to the pursuit of ambition and brief power, I will be stretched out in the shade, singing.

I thought that if it could become an annual combined Carlton/Pratt Foundation charity event then it would do a lot of good for a lot of people, ensuring that the Pratt legacy lives on and that we are all a part of it.

Good idea, I'm sure something of that nature will happen. Not sure it has to co-incide with the anniversary of his passing.

I'm not opposed to the idea of supporters wearing an armband this week, the players certainly will, so why not the supporters? I'm not sure though that there is enough time and coverage to get it out to enough people to make it a strong act.

However, I don't think that the annual thing will work at all. We are all very focused and emotional about Pratt's passing now, but that will ease with time, and while his memory will not be forgotten, in a year's time, the urgency to commemorate will not be there as it is now.

The Club no doubt will come up with a way to remember Dick and his legacy, and that is the best way to do so going forward.

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Mens sana in corpore sano.

Bring back the laurel wreath logo!!!

It's a nice gesture, but I don't think it goes far enough.

I would like Carlton to lobby the AFL to consider presenting an annual trophy / medal named in Mr Pratt's honour to a footballer for outstanding work in the community. This side to our footballers often goes largely unnoticed, however many do fantastic community service work on top of what is required of them.

Along the lines of the NHL's Masterton Trophy whereby every club gets to nominate a player (and during telecast you see all 16 nominees work that year), I believe this would be something that could be done in conjunction with either the Brownlow Medal or AFLPA award, to ensure that supporters and footballers alike remember the Pratt name in a good light for generations to come.

doc I think you'll find that such an award already exists, although it doesn't have a name:

http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/tabid/7106/default.aspx?newsid=54417

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Between our dreams and actions lies this world

You're right - well...that's an easy fix for the marketing department. Give it a name (Richard Pratt Community Service Award), get all 16 clubs to nominate one player who exemplifies excellence in community service work, showcase it with footage at a major awards ceremony like the Brownlow and take it on the road!

I strongly disagree. Dick Pratt didn't just do something for the playing group, or the Club, he did something for ALL of us. He gave us hope, optimism and the longevity of the club we all love. For me he have me the chance to take my Godson to his very first football match, the chance for me to take my own children one day to see the club I have loved for 23 years. I, along with the entire Carlton fraternity will be forever indebted to him, and therefore will be showing my respect this Saturday afternoon.

I've got my entire family going and wearing the black armband. My guess is that there will be hundreds taking part, possibly more than a thousand given that there are nearly 300 that joined the facebook group who can probably all account for a couple of others that haven't joined. I could give at least 6 people that aren't on FB but will be donning the black armband. Then there is the support on BF and here as well. Still, it doesn't matter how many take part as long as each of us can show our respects.

The Age has responded positively about the idea but at the same time I said that I don't really want to interfere with what the Pratt family and CFC are coming up with, just that they are aware of it as an option.

I don't see why people just do what they feel like doing in order to show their respect for a departed blue...be it black armbands, white armbands, banners, whatever it may be..doesnt have to be organised IMO...anything from the heart will never be considered over the top or out of place...and speaking of heart..if we play with it on Saturday then the Hawks are in for a rude awakening....

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"Truth, for the tyrants, is the most terrible and cruel of all bindings; it is like an incandescent iron falling across their chests. And it is even more agonizing than hot iron, for that only burns the flesh, while truth burns its way into the soul"     — Lauro Aguirre