Name: Nicole McNair
Carlton member years: 4
Favourite player: Tom Bell
Memorable match: 2013 elimination final against Richmond
Nicole McNair has been a dedicated Carlton member for four years but her love and passion for the Club goes way back to the 1980s.
“I had a Blues beanie placed on my head the day I was born!” she said.
Clearly her love for Carlton was instilled in her from an early age. Nicole’s father began supporting the Blues when he lived in Carlton in the 1960s. When Nicole’s mum fell in love with him, she had no choice but to become a fully-fledged Bluebagger too.
Nicole, who now lives in Sunshine, can clearly remember the very first game she attended.
“I was six or seven years old and Carlton beat North Melbourne at the MCG,” she said.
This dedicated Blue has been to every home game this year, except for the match against Adelaide, which she says was terrible timing because they “played so well”.
Unfortunately Nicole was in hospital recovering from an operation, but like a true supporter she watched the game on TV and barracked hard from her hospital bed.
Although she’s still in recovery mode, there’s no chance she’ll be missing this week’s game against Port on Saturday afternoon. Nicole says she is looking forward to seeing her favourite player – young gun Tom Bell – in action.
“He’s always around the ball and goes in hard – he’s a great player,” Nicole said.
Nicole goes to the footy with her dad, uncle and auntie, who all get kitted up from head to toe in navy blue.
“I’ve got the scarf, jumper, beanie … the whole kit … everything you can imagine!”
Nicole’s uncle Kevin has been part of the Smash Enterprises Carlton Cheer Squad since 1971, making him a 45-year member. She says after so many years he has “amazing stories” from the cheer squad inner sanctum.
When it comes to her favourite Carlton memories, Nicole still remembers the 2013 elimination final against Richmond at the MCG like it was yesterday. It’s a day she won’t forget and says it’s her most memorable match.
“It was an emotional game – I even cried when we won,” she said.
The 1995 grand final win is also etched in Nicole’s memory. Unfortunately she wasn’t able to attend the match but went down to Princes Park afterwards to celebrate.
Although this year has been challenging for the Blues, Nicole believes her Bluebaggers are heading in the right direction and always keeps the faith.
“There’s definitely good signs for the Blues – Patrick Cripps is amazing … he’s going to be a great player for us,” she said.
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