The shadows had lengthened over Jolimont on the afternoon of Saturday, September 26, 1970 when the final siren sounded and the late Alan Gale, then commentating for HSV7, superbly articulated his thoughts.
“Butch” had just heard the siren sound a dramatic conclusion to what probably remains the greatest Grand Final in VFL/AFL history. The 1970 Grand Final between Carlton and Collingwood.
Gale was but one of 121,696 spectators who somehow crammed into football’s great cauldron that day - the day Jezza completed his giant leap, the day Ted Hopkins wrought havoc in the second half, and the day Barassi told his men to handball their way out of football oblivion, to reverse a 44-point half-time deficit to land the greatest prize League the great Australian game affords.
Now, almost 40 years on, the Park Hyatt Ballroom is to play host to the grandest of Grand Final victories, when no fewer than 11 premiership players and their coach return to relive the moment.
Ron Barassi will be there - so too John Nicholls, Barry Gill, John Goold, David McKay, Robert Walls, Syd Jackson, Peter Jones, Sergio Silvagni, Adrian Gallagher, Neil Chandler and of course Ted Hopkins - together with a gathering of loyal Carlton devotees, many of whom were also there that one perfect day.
You too can be part of this rivalry luncheon with these Carlton premiership players on Friday April 30th at the Grand Hyatt. Hosted by Brian Taylor, this 40th Anniversary Luncheon includes a three-course luncheon and refreshments in the company of a number of 1970 Carlton premiership players.
Bookings are still available.
Table of ten is $2,000 and this includes a $250 donation to the Richard Pratt Fellowships in prostate cancer.
Contact the Carlton Football Club on (03) 9389 6232 to secure your place at this memorable luncheon.
