Member name: Michael Bateson
Carlton member years: 27
Favourite player: Ken Hunter & Patrick Cripps
Memorable match: Round 20, 1988 Carlton v North Melbourne at Princes Park

It was Round 20, 1988 when Carlton rover Adrian Gleeson kicked the match-winning goal with only seconds to spare, giving the Blues a four-point victory over North Melbourne at Princes Park 20.21.141 to 20.17.137

Carlton member Michael Bateson was sitting in the stands that day and remembers the goal like it was yesterday.

“We kicked the last three goals in time-on to win and I remember Adrian Gleeson scored the winning goal,” Michael said.

“It looked like we were going to lose – we were 17 points down and we somehow won. The place was rocking!”

Michael has been a Carlton member for just on 27 years. He still has the ‘95 Herald Sun premiership poster and is looking forward to the day that he can add another one to his collection.

A Bluebagger from the age of five because he “wanted to be like my big brother,” Michael says he has worn navy blue ever since. In fact, his entire family supports Carlton, except for his eldest son, who has decided to barrack for Michael’s least favourite team.

“He goes for Essendon just to annoy me I think – he knows they’re the team I hate the most!” Michael joked.

Michael has four children and says the “rest of them had no choice after that”.

Back in the day, Michael’s favourite player was a man who wore number 9 for the Blues, Ken Hunter, but now he has a “man crush” on Patrick Cripps.

“Crippa will be our next star,” he said.

Michael admits he’s never cried at the footy, but within the four walls of home it’s a different story.

“I can remember being ‘upset’ about the ‘86 Grand Final – we lost to Hawthorn that year.”

Michael attends the footy with his sister and says the “thrill of winning” is what he loves most about match day. So you can imagine his joy as he sat in the stands on Saturday afternoon and watched Carlton defeat Port Adelaide.