The spirit of Carlton is back and was celebrated last week.

On the eve of Carlton’s final game for the 2016 season, the Club’s annual Spirit of Carlton Luncheon gathered Carlton officials, past and present players, sponsors and passionate supporters at Etihad Stadium’s Victory Room.

As silverware chimed and taste buds were tantalised, guests united to reflect upon, renew and build the Carlton Spirit.

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton was the first special guest to join MC Rob Gaylard on stage.

In his address to the audience, Bolton immediately shifted the attention to the photograph projected behind him.

The image – capturing vice-captain Kade Simpson being chaired off the field and surrounded by his fellow teammates in his 250th game – had Bolton proud to declare that Carlton was unified.

“On reflection it’s been a real foundation year. It’s about being united as one and that’s a really important step,” Bolton said.

“That photo up there epitomises that we are one…we are united.

“I hope everyone in this building feels like they are the spirit of Carlton and they’re together now.”

Carlton would like to thank all those who attended the luncheon to witness a return of the Carlton Spirit and it looks forward to its growth throughout and beyond 2017. 

Past players Brett Johnson and Vin Catoggio catch up at today's @spirit_of_carlton luncheon. #BoundByBlue

A photo posted by Carlton Football Club (@carlton_fc) on Aug 25, 2016 at 9:06pm PDT