WITH the Navy Blue community able to gather in one room for the first time since 2019, President Luke Sayers recognised the season that was and the multitude of people who made it possible at Friday night’s John Nicholls Medal.
At the top of the President’s list of acknowledgements was the record-breaking 88,776 members, whose support never wavered throughout a season which delivered a full spectrum of emotions.
“Arguably most importantly – a huge thank you for the support of our members, all 88,776 of you,” Sayers said.
“In yet another record-breaking membership year, you showed up in force all season and the atmosphere at our home games is unlike any other team in the league – I’m still genuinely blown away every time I hear the roar of the Carlton faithful.
“It’s simply unbelievable. We hear you, we see you and we thank you.”
Carlton fans witnessed the most wins in a season for over a decade – and while the development was pleasing, Sayers declared that those within the four walls weren’t yet wholly satisfied.
“It was a year of growth, a transformational one for our football club,” he said.
“There’s been a lot of external noise about the measurement of our season, however growth and success can be defined in multiple ways – by no means are we satisfied, but right here, right now, we’ve got a job to do and that’s to improve.
“All it does is strengthen our resolve as we look to go bigger and better in 2023.”
At the forefront of the Club’s transformation has been Senior Coach Michael Voss, who has undoubtedly instilled a sense of belief amongst the playing group and the Navy Blue faithful.
“Michael has an incredible ability to connect with people, instil uncompromising high performance and showcase an innate knowledge of success,” Sayers said.
There were plenty of individual achievements to celebrate, with captain Patrick Cripps backing up his Brownlow Medal win with his fourth John Nicholls Medal.
“We couldn’t be prouder of you, ‘Crippa’. We’ve seen first-hand over several years how hard you have worked and how much sacrifice you have made for this club.”
Charlie Curnow finished the season as the Coleman Medallist, just 12 months after teammate Harry McKay claimed the award the previous year – the first time in 120 years that a team has had two different Coleman Medallists in back-to-back seasons.
The Club’s previous two John Nicholls Medallists in Sam Walsh and Jacob Weitering once again made the extended All-Australian squad, and along with his own All-Australian selection, Adam Saad was named as a finalist for the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for his outstanding work with the Adam Saad Academy.
“Make no mistake: the talent is here, as was demonstrated in the awards handed out post-season,” he said.
“Our playing group will learn from this season: and sometimes footy has a way of teaching us lessons the hard way. What gives us belief is knowing that when we bring our best, our best is good enough to stand up against quality sides.”
For Sayers, the 2023 season cannot come soon enough.
“Our Club simply cannot be in the strong position it finds itself in right now without the support of everyone in this room – it’s been a massive year for our football club and I’d once again like to acknowledge your ongoing support.”
