The 1972 Premiership flag flies freely in blue skies over Princes Park, moments after its unfurling in the shadows of the Ald. Gardiner Stand.
It’s one in a series of images of the ceremony, as captured at the George H. Harris Stand end by long-time Carlton supporter Paul Brush, when the mighty Blues met North Melbourne in Round 2 on the afternoon of Saturday, April 14, 1973.
Before a full-house, Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister and the then No.1 club ticketholder Sir Robert Menzies can be seen on the ground in his wheelchair – not far from the Carlton President George Harris, Vice-President Perc Bentley and Captain-Coach John Nicholls, who was unavailable to perform his duties due to suspension.
Carlton's then No.1 ticketholder Sir Robert Menzies in his wheelchair. (Photo: Paul Brush)
The Carlton 20 of that day can be seen – amongst them the late Vin Waite and the late John O’Connell. Also there is Peter Hall, the 36-game Castlemaine recruit who in another life would serve as the Victorian Minister for Higher Education and Skills.
The old Olympic Tyres Scoreboard, built by the former Carlton player the late John Benetti, also looms large in the distance.
Ironically, former North wingman and coach Keith McKenzie took Carlton’s coaching duties that day – the same day North coach Ron Barassi plotted his former club’s downfall for the first time since parting company at the end of 1971.
The teams take their places ahead of the unfurling. (Photo: Paul Brush)
Try as he might, “Barass” was unable to commandeer the visitors to an improbable victory, with the reigning Premiers prevailing by 27 points, 18.15 (123) to 14.12 (96).
Former Eaglehawk recruit Greg Kennedy booted five goals for the Blues in that match, with Brian Walsh and Neil Chandler contributing three each.
Brent Crosswell was adjudged best afield for Carlton, and correspondent Mike Sheahan acknowledged Alex Jesaulenko’s third quarter genius in that contest.
“Alex Jesaulenko, that man answerable to no-one on the football field, gave an exhilarating 20-minute display of sheer brilliance which started the breakdown of the North resistance,” Sheahan wrote.
Brush was more than happy for his images to be circulated amongst the Carlton faithful . . . and better late than never.
The Blues take to the field. (Photo: Paul Brush)
As he said: “It’s amazing to think that I just snapped a few photos 43 years ago and really thought no more of them until last year”.
If you have any photographs or film of any matches involving Carlton teams of years past, please contact the Club on 9389 6241.
