JANUARY EVENT

The George Harris function room today hosted a luncheon for the next generation of Blues supporters.

Being the first of two annual events organised by the Carlton Bequest Society for 2012, the lunch provided the opportunity for the children and grandchildren of the Bequest Society members to meet and interact with current day players at Visy Park.

Bequest Society patron Geoff Southby was in attendance along with fellow Carlton Team of the Century members Adrian Gallagher and three-time Premiership coach David Parkin and their families.

Robert Warnock, Heath Scotland, Andrew Collins, Jarrad Waite, Bret Thornton, Kade Simpson, Jordan Russell and Mitch Robinson represented the playing group, taking time out of a hectic training schedule to sit and talk to guests and sign autographs.

After being provided with Blues merchandise gift bags, an excited group of youngsters were taken for a kick of the footy with a few of their heroes on the hallowed Visy Park turf. The Carlton boys spent an hour chatting to their young fans, offering skill advice and posing for photos.

General Manager of Football Operations Andrew McKay and Senior Coach Brett Ratten both made speeches to the crowd of 60 guests, regaling them with stories of their early days in the Navy Blue and discussing the progress of the current group of players.

When asked who he thought would take the next step in season 2012, Ratten offered the name of attacking half-back flanker Jordan Russell as a good example of a player who is relishing a pre-season without injury.

Andrew McKay, who accepted the role of General Manager of Football Operations in late 2011, received a rousing reception when welcomed back to the Club by the day's MC, Col Kinnear.

The Carlton Bequest Society is focused on the advancement and development of the Carlton Football Club to provide enjoyment for current and future generations of Carlton supporters. To find out more about the Carlton Bequest Society, click here.


 GLORY DAYS LUNCH

The Carlton Bequest Society recently held a “Glory Days” themed luncheon in the George Harris function room at Visy Park. The theme of the luncheon was “Great Midfielders” and guests were treated to stories by some greats of the Carlton Football Club.

Alex Marcou and Jim Buckley, members of the famed ‘Mosquito Fleet’, shared their memories of the club in the late seventies and early eighties, including the three Premierships won in that period. Carlton “Team of the Century” on-baller Adrian Gallagher spoke of the change Ron Barassi brought to the club in the mid-sixties and how his professionalism led to the 1968 and 1970 Premierships. Finally, dual-Brownlow medalist Greg Williams discussed his transfer from Sydney to Carlton in 1992 and the joys of being involved in the 1995 Premiership.

Other guests included Patron of the Carlton Bequest Society Geoff Southby, Carlton CEO Greg Swann, Vin Catoggio, Rod Ashman and three-time Premiership coach David Parkin. The luncheon was emceed by long-time club administrator Col Kinnear.

Society members were then invited to have pictures with the Premiership Cups on display. Unsurprisingly, the 1970 cup proved the most popular!

To top the afternoon off, guests were taken on a tour of Visy Park, stopping for a chat with a few of the current players along the way. All were impressed with the state of the art facilities.

The Carlton Bequest Society is focused on the advancement and development of the Carlton Football Club to provide enjoyment for current and future generations of Carlton supporters. To find out more about the Carlton Bequest Society, click here.

Thank you to all who attended. It was great to have you all at the club and hope that the Society can continue to grow to ensure the Carlton Football Club’s future.

Go Blues.