THE LATE Jack Carney and Neil Chandler, alongside Brendan Fevola, will be immortalised tonight when they are inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Carlton Football Club.
Established in 1987, the Hall of Fame recognises contributions made to the Club by the individual, which can be in the form of records, ability, integrity, sportsmanship and character.
Neil Chandler
Joining Carlton in 1967, Chandler played 76 games at the Blues under the tutelage of Ron Barassi and then John Nicholls.
A triple premiership player in his first 50 games, the understated ruck-rover featured predominantly in all three of the Blues’ flags from the golden era of 1968, 1970 and 1972.
Chandler was a versatile player at Carlton who could play as a tagger, on a half-back flank or as a winger. He was a great teammate, respected by his on-field peers.
In his six years at the Blues, Chandler first wore No.47 (1968-69), before moving to the No.22.
His passing in 2022 left a profound impact on those who were closest to him, and his memory will be forever cherished at Carlton.
Jack Carney (1936 – 1941)
Playing 84 games at the Blues, Carney was well respected at both Geelong and Carlton for his die-passion for the game he loved.
The fleet-footed wingman was part of Carlton's breaking drought-breaking 1938 premiership, a 15-point win over old enemy Collingwood.
Standing at just 162cm, Carney used his stature to enhance the strengths of his game, which centred around passing, skill and courage, earning respect amongst his peers.
Carney wore the No.7 guernsey throughout his time at the Blues, notably also worn by Ted Hopkins and Brett Ratten.
Farewelling the No.7 guernsey in 1941, Carney joined the RAF, serving throughout the Second World War as an aircraft mechanic, before returning to Carlton in an administration role. He served as team manager, reserves coach and as a liaison for the players, and continued to support the Club for four decades after his retirement.
Carney sadly passed away in October 1981 at the age of 72: his induction into the Carlton Hall of Fame ensures his contribution won’t be forgotten.
Brendan Fevola
Considered one of the game’s greatest full-forwards, Fevola played 187 games for Carlton after being drafted to the Blues with pick No.38 in the 1998 draft.
Fevola was an excitement machine and a quick-thinking player, the definition of a ‘human highlight reel’.
Admired by many for his showmanship, the bigger the crowd, the better Fevola played — and the Navy Blue faithful adored him for it.
Fevola kicked 575 goals in his time at Carlton, earning the Coleman Medal in 2006 and 2009, as well as being the Club’s leading goalkicker seven consecutive times from 2003 to 2009.
He was a glorious kick, both in terms of distance and accuracy, and equally so an opportunist, who could fashion a goal out of nothing.
Representing the No.25 over his time at the Blues, Fevola made the coveted number his own after it was made famous by Carlton Legend Alex Jesaulenko.
Carlton Football Club President Luke Sayers acknowledged the profound impact each player had during their respective careers in the Navy Blue.
“Jack, Neil and Brendan each wrote their own unique story, permanently etched into the history of Carlton,” Sayers said.
“Jack and Neil will always be remembered as pioneers at Carlton. Each was well-respected by their teammates and the staff, and to have their legacy continue to live on to this day tells you all you need to know about what kind of Carlton people they were.
“Brendan is such a figurehead of the sport. The way he played with such showmanship, skill and excitement was something that drew so many people, not only to the Club, but to follow him even as opposition supporters.
“I am honoured to be the President of a club that truly celebrates its long-standing history and properly recognises the contributions of its past players – tonight we look forward to doing just that together.”
Jack Carney Neil Chandler and Brendan Fevola will each be individually recognised tonight at the 2024 Spirit of Carlton: Hall of Fame.
