When the final siren doubled as Princes Park’s death knell on that autumn Saturday in 2005, long-time Carlton supporter John Walsh was there with his trusty Canon Powershot S60 to record the moment for posterity.
Ten years on, and the prolific amateur photographer has graciously forward his unique collection of historic videos and stills of May 21 - and others of Princes Park and the MCG on alternate Carlton matchdays through the first decade of the 21st century.
Walsh’s extensive pictorial assortment lovingly captures the colour of these occasions from a supporter’s perspective - not the least of which is the historic 9th round match of 2005 versus Melbourne, which doubled as Carlton’s last hurrah at the old ground.
The scene at Optus Oval on May 21, 2005. (Photo: John Walsh)
Amongst Walsh’s work is footage captured from the Legends Stand of the pre-match festivities, the Carlton players breaking the banner match in front of the since-demolished Robert Heatley Stand and on-ground scenes in the immediate aftermath of the famous contest.
The parade for the Carlton greats before the match. (Photo: John Walsh)
Walsh, whose allegiance to Carlton can be sourced to 1954, and whose family boasts territorial links to the area spanning 130 years, said his interest in capturing the old ground on film was triggered when the MCG was earmarked for extensive redevelopment.
“Towards the start of the reconstruction of the MCG I started taking pictures of the place. I knew something was going to happen to the ’G, so I began taking photos,” Walsh said.
“When I found out Carlton was to play its last game at Princes Park I started to take photos outside the ground beforehand because I knew it was all going to change. I didn’t actually see much of the game itself because I was actually taken photos of the place, whether up and down the grandstands or outside the ground.”
Blues supporters pick up their merchandise outside the ground. (Photo: John Walsh)
Walsh conceded that he probably needed to view videotaped footage of the game itself “because I don’t know much about it”.
“I know that Melbourne won, but the result really didn’t matter. I also remember all the cups being out on the ground and it was great to be part of that experience,” he said.
A view of the Gardiner Stand and the George H.Harris Stand. (Photo: John Walsh)
Walsh also deemed it important to forward his collection to the Carlton Football Club archive, for the benefit of future generations of Carlton supporters to view.
Why?
As Walsh said with good reason: “Did you read about the McCubbin that emerged form the bank vault? The painting hadn’t been seen for 137 years but now, after a fortnight, it’s back in the vault . . . and what good is that to anyone?”
Carlton supporters enjoy a kick-to-kick on the hallowed turf for the final time. (Photo: John Walsh)
