The Carlton Football Club archive is the welcome beneficiary of a team photograph from the Olympic Year of 1956 through the generosity of the Bretel family and the Blues’ legendary Premiership ruckman and dual best and fairest of the ’40s, the late Jack “Chooka” Howell.
The postcard-size image recently found its way to Visy Park in the mail, accompanied by a charming letter penned by Helen Bretel of Vermont, which reads in part;
“When we moved into our home in Hampton 49 years ago we lived next door to Jack Howell . . . he gave this photo to my husband, who was a great Carlton man, as my boys are. I would like the Carlton Club to have it.”
The photograph, captured by the renowned Charles Boyles formerly of Inverness Street in nearby East Brunswick, arrived uncaptioned. But through the process of elimination it’s the Jim Francis-coached team that took to the field for the 8th round match against Hawthorn, at that time coached by Francis’ Carlton teammate in the ’38 Grand Final, Jack Hale.
Mrs Bretel's lovely letter to the Club. (Photo: Carlton Football Club)
The contest took place at Princes Park on the afternoon of Saturday, June 2, 1956, with the home team recording a comfortable 34-point victory, 10.13 (73) to 5.9 (39). Bob Crowe booted five goals for the Blues that day and Kevan “Icy” Hamilton two, with John James, their reigning best and fairest winner, adjudged best player afield.
Coach Francis was understandably up-beat when asked for comment afterwards.
“Our over-all strength and team work won it for us,” he was quoted as saying. “We played the open game, and with the centre a mud-heap, it paid dividends. Our rovers scouted well and made good use of the ball.
“ . . . we were worried all day in the air by Hawthorn’s high fliers. However, we are continuing on our winning way and it breeds confidence.”
Regrettably, Carlton finished the ’56 season fifth in what was then a final four format. At season’s end it also lost the services of its dynamic President Sir Kenneth Luke, whose 22-year association with the club ended with him joining the VFL as Presidential successor to Dr DW McClelland.
It’s a little known fact that Luke was at the forefront of Carlton’s plans to stage the ’56 Olympics at Princes Park, during which time its home matches were to be played up the road at Coburg City Oval. In March 1952, almost three years after the City of Melbourne won the rights to host the XVI Olympiad by a single vote, the Carlton Recreation Ground (Visy Park) was formally declared the site for “The Friendly Games”.
Though the redeveloped Carlton ground was to cater for no fewer than 100,000 people, and architectural plans were drawn up, forces at federal and state government level later conspired against the club and the MCC won the day as Games host via the mighty MCG .
The Carlton Football Club is grateful for Helen Bretel’s kind donation and encourages those who may also care to donate items to the archive to call on 9389 6241.
Carlton team, Round 8, 1956, versus Hawthorn at Princes Park
back row, left to right: Vic Garra, Denis Zeunert, Peter Webster, Kevin Clarke, Bill Milroy, Graham Donaldson, Vin English, Bob Crowe.
middle row: Doug Beasy, Colin Holt, George Ferry, Ken Hands (captain), Jim Francis (coach), Laurie Kerr, Jack Mills, John Chick.
front row: John James, Graham Gilchrist, Bruce Comben, Kevan “Icy” Hamilton, Jack Sullivan.
