It didn’t take much for me to be a Carlton supporter – like many, it was an elder sibling that made my choice for me. But whereas he gave up on footy not long after that, I committed to Carlton for life. Through good times and that period we’ve all blocked out of our minds. 

This first song I learned all the words to was We Are The Navy Blues, and even now I enjoy nothing more than knowing I’m about to sing “da dada dada…”

It was the first single I owned [a 7” vinyl] and I nearly cried when my sister, in a fit of rage, threw it into a wall. In hindsight I probably shouldn’t have made her mad at me, but hey, it’s not my fault she chose to barrack for Fitzroy.

I had every piece of memorabilia available to me at the time – beanie, scarf, jumper, duffle coat, but my most cherished Carlton item came about by surprise. My cousin knew someone who knew Alex Marcou [a fact that completely blew my mind.; imagine knowing a league footballer? Unheard of!] The upshot of that relationship was that I was presented with an autograph book containing every Carlton player’s signature. I studied every autograph on a daily basis, and knew that if I didn’t go on to have a career in football then, at the very least, I’d make sure I had a signature that was barely legible and looked like it had been scrawled in under half of a second. I treasured that autograph book, and, being the early 1980s, every cigarette burn and beer stain on it.

I used to love Wayne Harmes, until there became too much of him for just one boy to love. When I’d kick a pair of socks around my house I was always Ken Hunter as I ran fearlessly [or stupidly, according to mum] into a door. Like all of us, I wanted to be like the players I watched [although strangely I never wanted to be exactly like Mil Hanna]. 

I knew suburbs of Adelaide and Perth because of the teams our champions were recruited from. I knew if I moved to Adelaide it’d be to Glenelg, because they gave us Steve Kernahan. I didn’t have any idea where it was or what it was like, but it produced Sticks and that was enough for me.

I saw the 1981/82/87 and 95 premierships, and developed the attitude that went with it. I didn’t care; I was a Carlton fan – my team had earned me that right of arrogance. Sure, I was humbled for a while there, but it just brought the Carlton faithful closer together. And with all my strength I have defended my team through thick and thin. Except when we drafted Mick McGaune – even I had to draw a line somewhere.

And why not? The club can change your life. Just look at David Rhys Jones – he went from potential death row prisoner to Norm Smith medallist and all round nice guy. All because of this wonderful club. That’s the power Carlton has.

I’ve been Carlton all my life and have ridden every up and down… Earl Spalding’s smother and goal in the ‘95 grand final. The disappointment [read: robbery] of Greg Williams not winning the ’93 Brownlow. Lance Whitnall’s goal from 55 out in the ’99 prelim. I was there when Kouta’s knee buckled – and thus our season – in the 2001 semi final against Richmond. And I’ve watched last year’s victory over the Tigers in the elimination final more times than is normal for an adult male. But I don’t care.

I am Navy Blue. And even though it’s been a long time between premierships, I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Go Blues.