IN RECAPPING his opening months at the Carlton Football Club, the most noticeable thing for CEO Brian Cook has been the passion and commitment of the Club’s supporter base.
Speaking from the media boxes at the MCG which would host 72,000 people on Thursday night (a large majority wearing Navy Blue), Cook lauded a Bluebagger faithful which were in full voice.
The Round 1 clash marked 250 days since Carlton’s last home AFL game in front of supporters.
Interviewed on 3AW Sportsday, Cook said it was something instantly recognisable since being at the Blues.
“Our members have been unbelievable at Carlton,” Cook said.
“We have 72,000 members and we won eight games last year. It’s a very, very loyal group and there are parts of me which finds that a little bit unbelievable.
“All accolades have to go to our members. We’re back now, and hopefully we’ll see more wins than losses this year.”
When asked what his key focuses were upon the commencement of the 2022 AFL season and conclusion of the AFLW season, Cook outlined that they’d simply be “the normal tasks of a CEO”.
“It’s ensuring the Executive is following a good business plan, making sure our members are proud of this club in the way we play, that we’re back playing consistently competitive football,” he said.
“Over the season, we will improve. I’m just hoping we can win a few early, because there’s no doubt the members are at that threshold of intolerance: I understand that.
“For me, it’s more about getting the structure, the people and the processes — all those boring things that people say, getting them right.”
