Carlton kicked off season 2017 in style on Thursday night.
At the Club’s official Season Launch, the 2017 men’s and women’s playing groups were formally presented to an audience of passionate Carlton supporters and loyal sponsors.
The launch, proudly presented by Hyundai, gave the entire club the opportunity to unite before the 2017 AFL season as well as celebrate the inaugural AFL Women’s season.
As an array of navy blue shone brightly upon Docklands’ Peninsula Room, guests enjoyed a delectable three-course meal while they mingled with the players.
Comedian and passionate Carlton supporter Sam Pang hosted proceedings with Carlton president Mark LoGiudice, CEO Steven Trigg and senior coach Brendon Bolton addressing the audience.
LoGiudice acknowledged the progress of the Club as a whole and spoke of the future with optimism.
View the gallery from the Blues' Season Launch
“2016 was a year of growth and unity. There was indeed measurable growth across all areas of the organisation,” LoGiudice said during the launch.
“In 2017 we will see the continued building of strong foundations for growth both on and off the field and we expect to make steady improvement on last season.
“We have one of the youngest teams with the least amount of game experience in the AFL. There’ll be challenges along the way but there will be exciting times ahead.”
As Carlton’s AFLW team sat amongst the crowd, LoGiudice praised the women for embodying the culture of Carlton while “making history.”
“Our women’s team have worn the navy blue with pride and distinction in the inaugural AFL Women’s season,” he said.
“The team have done a brilliant job in displaying the passion that comes with playing for our great club.”
To conclude the evening’s formalities, CEO Steven Trigg awarded two valued members of the Carlton family with life membership.
Vince Loccisano and Henry Gardner were announced by Trigg as “two people who’ve provided what the Consitution calls very special service”.
President Mark LoGiudice presents Vince Loccisano with his Carlton Life Membership. (Photo: Graeme Furlong/Carlton Media)
As president of Carlton coterie group the Carltonians, Loccisano has given “extraordinary service” to the Club over his 20 years as a member of the Carltonians while Gardner was inducted for his “extraordinary contribution” to the Club, serving as its maintenance man for over 30 years after dedicating his life to Carlton in the early ‘80s.
President Mark LoGiudice presents Henry Gardner with his Carlton Life Membership. (Photo: Graeme Furlong/Carlton Media)
The 2017 Season Launch was a memorable evening for all in attendance.
Click here to join the journey of the Carlton Football Club and be #BoundByBlue for 2017.
