AN INCREDIBLE array of Carlton past players, coaches, officials and partners gathered at Altona Sports Club this week to celebrate the 70th birthday of the Club’s Team of the Century member Rod Ashman.

Joining the 1981 and ’82 Premiership great in blowing out the candles were a host of fellow legends of the 1960s, ‘70s, ’80s and ’90s. Amongst them were the club’s inaugural Norm Smith Medallist Wayne Harmes, former captains Mike Fitzpatrick, Wayne Johnston and Mark Maclure, four-time Premiership players Peter Jones, David McKay and Alex Jesaulenko (who arrived later), and three-time Premiership coach David Parkin.

Also sharing the moment was Ashman’s son Josh and daughter Danika.

“It was great to see so many in the room for a Carlton champ turning 70,” said Harmes, who also delivered an emotional speech in acknowledgment of Ashman’s achievement, and in memory of Ashman’s late wife Kaylene.

“There was no-one there Rod didn’t want to see. If you could hand-pick a group of people, these were the best and they all made a real effort to be there.”

Harmes also took the opportunity to acknowledge Spirit of Carlton Manager Shane O’Sullivan in arranging for the invitations to be forwarded, and added that Ashman, who has not been in good health, had offered his sincere thanks to all who were part of a very special occasion.

Those in attendance for Ashman’s 70th birthday celebrations were Peter Francis, Peter Brown, Mark Maclure, David Parkin, David McKay, Ian Wotherspoon, Stephen Gough, Des English, Wayne Johnston, Mike Fitzpatrick, Rod Ashman, Geoff Southby, Ken Sheldon, Alex Marcou, Lorraine Southby, Peter McConville, Rod Austin, Helen Sykes, 'Darky' Shaw, Vin Catoggio, Ken Hunter, Val Perovic, Shane O'Sullivan, Di Gough and Katrena Harmes.

Also present were Frank Brosnan, Neroly English, Wayne Harmes, David Glascott, Peter Jones, Alex Jesaulenko and Terry Kernan.