A victory over Fremantle on Saturday was the good news that Carlton supporters wanted from the weekend. It is hard to believe it was our first win over the Docker in ten matches but that is the fact.

Brett Ratten said the first win over Fremantle since round 16, 2001 (at Princes Park) was, “another record we sort of tick off to say it’s a new beginning for this team and the players that are involved.”

The on field success is building, Saturday’s win was the fourth in six outings and there is a real sense of development as the Blues build for the future. Off the field the regeneration of the Carlton Football Club has been well documented with the record membership numbers, increased corporate support and interest in the Club. On Saturday the Carlton Football Club took another important step forward by recognising the past.

Over 70 Carlton Football Club Life Members attended the pre-game President’s Luncheon as the special guests of President Richard Pratt. Former players, board members, staff and Coterie members, who have served this Club for many years, were invited to the luncheon as a special day to acknowledge our Life Members.

The presence of so many famous names added to the wonderful pre-match function and provided reunion like atmosphere for many of the people for whom the Carlton Football Club has meant so much for so long. They were joined by other special guests including Andy Lee, Megan Gale and Red Symons to see the Blues notch up a fourth victory for the 2008 season.

The coach of Carlton’s team of the 20th Century, David Parkin, was joined by past players who have been awarded Life Membership of Carlton. Players such as John Nicholls, Ken Hands, Adrian Gallagher, Adrian Gleeson, Rod Ashman, Syd Jackson, Ken Sheldon, Mark Maclure, Jim Buckley, Geoff Southby, Barry Gill, Ted Hopkins, Phillip Pinnell, Simon Beaumont, Ron De Iulio, David Glascott, Matthew Hogg, Wes Lofts, Warren McKenzie, Fraser Murphy Mario Bortolotto, Jim Buckley, Wayne Johnston, Robbert Klomp, Mark Maclure, Alex Marcou, Val Perovic and David Rhys-Jones.

Together with former committee members, staff and long-serving coterie members this was a very special occasion and one that was received with great support from everyone in attendance. While we must continue to work for a successful future and not live in the past Saturday was a great example of the importance of recognising the past and enuring we never forget those that have helped to make the Carlton Football Club one of the greatest sporting organisations in Australia.

The example that so many of these Life Members have set has made Carlton the envy of so many.

Click here to read the Carlton President Richard Pratt's address to the pre-match luncheon