IF you happened to visit Carlton Football Club on Friday morning, you would’ve been circling the car park for quite some time trying to find a free space.

Ikon Park was overrun with some special visitors as the players welcomed their mums for lunch in celebration of Mother’s Day on Sunday.

In what is becoming a tradition at Ikon Park, coach Brendon Bolton placed emphasis on the importance of integrating family with the club.

“It is something we have done over the past four years and is really strong around our value of Bound by Blue,” Bolton said.

“They are always there for their sons: it is important to acknowledge that and make sure they feel connected to the Club.”

After proudly posing for pictures with their boys for Melbourne’s media, the mums of Carlton were treated to lunch overlooking the Club’s traditional home.

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Love ya mum & granny!

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The opportunity to mix with the families of Blues players was well-received, with Bolton happy to dismiss the exclusivity that can exist in professional sport.

“I think often in elite sport you can separate that it is too elitist, and families can’t integrate,” Bolton said.

“We want to make sure that there is still a strong club feel and [the lunch] is an important little step for us each year.”