Hello
I was a relative newcomer to the old TBV site and got the shock of my life to see today that it was shutdown.
I live in Canberra, so I have always felt a bit isolated when it comes to being a Mad Carlton Supporter. Some cynics would say you don't follow AFL unless you live in the Mecca of Melbourne. Clearly I would disagree with that statement.
The honest fact is that I have followed the blues since I was young enough to watch Televison (ie pretty young!!). I am now a 'veteran' of 33 years in age and have seen the ups and downs of the famous Dark blues, as no doubt most have you.
I could go on and reiterate the things we all know about this great club, but for me personally the one thing that stands out in the 'new' Carlton approach under Dennis Pagan is this teams workman like, never say die attitude. A case in point is the nerve racking last quarter against the Dees on the weekend. It was edge of the seat stuff, but the kids stuck to their guns and didn't capitulate as perhaps the Carlton of old may have, and we came away with a hard fought victory.
AFL coverage in Canberra is ordinary to say the least (which again points back to the feeling of isolation I mentioned before), so its a blessing to see internet forums such as this being available to keep me in the loop. Of course the added bonus is that I can add my two cents worth and create discussion (or at least I hope too!!) about the blues and AFL in general.
So I say a sincere thankyou to all those people involved with setting up this site and I look forward to being a part of the 'community' of people that make up TalkingCarlton.
GO BLUES!

Great story BRMW ... welcome aboard, from a fellow Canberran.