THE CARLTON Football Club is excited to announce Leisel Jones OAM as Joint No.1 ticket holder.
The four-time Olympian is regarded as one of the greatest breaststroke swimmers of all time, with her love of the Blues igniting when Jones lived nearby to IKON Park during training camp for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
From there, a synergy with the Navy Blue formed, attending Carlton game day functions alongside club greats such as David Parkin, while rubbing shoulders with former captain and John Nicholls Medallist Chris Judd as fellow inductees in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
In a career spanning 12 years, Jones garnered nine Olympic medals, three of those gold, along with seven world titles, 10 Commonwealth Games gold medals, 14 individual world records and 23 national titles.
Appearing in her first Olympics at just 15 years old in Sydney 2000, Jones was awarded an Order for Australia for her service to sport in 2004, winning world swimmer of the year in 2005 and 2006.
In 2012, ahead of the London Summer Olympics, Jones became the first Australian swimmer to compete at four Olympic games, where she won her ninth medal, a silver in the 4 x 100-metre medley relay.
Jones is now a host on Triple M’s The Rush Hour alongside Ben Dobbin and Liam Flanagan and has just been nominated for best new radio talent at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRA).
“I'm so thrilled to be named the Club’s Joint No.1 ticket holder,” Jones said.
“I'm looking forward to cheering on both teams as they strive for success. With the passion from the players and both coaches at the helm, it’s a very exciting time to be involved with the Club.
“My Carlton journey started when I was living and training in Melbourne for the Beijing Olympics.
“I was living in Moonee Ponds and drove past IKON Park nearly every day and something just felt right. I love the area and love the Blues' colours and have been passionately supporting Carlton ever since.
“I have some great memories supporting the Blues and I know the best ones are still ahead for us all.”
“I'll be shouting from the rooftops about our AFLW side as the season kicks off and can’t wait to watch the AFL team launch into September. I'm so proud to be a part of the journey.”
Carlton President Luke Sayers said the Club was proud to have such an inspiring athlete involved with the Navy Blue.
“Leisel is one of the world’s greatest swimmers and we are honoured to have her come on board as our Joint No. 1 ticket holder,” Sayers said.
“To have an athlete of her calibre be involved with our club and support our professional athletes is very inspiring.
“A Bluebagger for many years, she really encapsulates our drive and determination to achieve success.
“Leisel will join Dylan Alcott as Joint No. 1 ticket holders and we look forward to seeing them proudly representing the Blues in years to come.”
