Just who is Carlton’s greatest player? It’s a question that has forever and a day provoked heated discussion amongst any Blue believers blessed with an opinion.
And in this the 150th anniversary of its hallowed existence, the Carlton Football Club has seen fit to settle the debate by naming Numero Uno and the cream de la crème of its senior playing ranks – the top 12 Carlton players of all time – in order of merit.
Number 7: Robert Walls
He was just sixteen years old when he turned out for the first of 218 senior games for Carlton . . . and he goaled with his first kick.
Eleven seasons later, Robert Walls moved on from Princes Park as one of the greats of a fabulous era. A three-time Premiership player, Walls stood tall in the Grand Final triumphs of 1968, ’70 and ’72 – the latter with a six-goal haul from centre half-forward in the record breaking scoreline of 28.9.
All up, Walls booted 367 career goals through 12 seasons – during which time he served as vice-captain and captain.
Late in his career, he crossed to Fitzroy to lead them into finals contention, before returning to Princes Park and further glory when he coached Carlton to 1987 Grand final glory.