Richard Pratt: Send you message of support: Click Here
THREE of Carlton's biggest names have come together to hail the contribution of former club president Richard Pratt, a man Stephen Kernahan dubbed "a great Carlton person for over 50 years."
The current Carlton president was joined by coach Brett Ratten and captain Chris Judd to pay tribute to Pratt, who is gravely ill with prostate cancer.
"February 9, 2007 was a very significant day in the history of the Carlton football club," said Kernahan. "Richard Pratt was appointed president and I think this club looks back at that as a turning point in our dark days from 2001 to 2007.
"He's been sensational for our footy club, he's been great for the players ... and to the staff, and especially to [chief executive] Greg Swann and myself.
"He's been a friend and a bloke we speak to every week."
Kernahan said he and Swann had visited Pratt on Tuesday morning.
"The first thing he said was 'what happened last week and what's wrong with our kicking?' so that's where Dick's at," Kernahan said.
Ratten and Judd also spoke of the significan impact the billionaire businesman had had at the Blues, with Judd saying he doubted he would have chosen to play at Carlton had it not been for Pratt's influence.
"I think the most impressive thing about what Dick did coming in to the fray was not necessarily the money he put into the club. I think it was more the fact that a man as busy as he was, was willing to give up his time to contribute to a club which he loves", Judd said.
More to follow
