WEDNESDAY 18 September, 2019 marked the 20th anniversary of one of the competition’s most famous games.
The 1999 preliminary final.
For Carlton supporters, it needs no introduction. For Essendon supporters, it’s the same — but for completely different reasons.
Carlton Media has spoken to four of the main protagonists on that fateful day in 1999. In the lead-up to the Mercury Moments recap to come, here’s just some of what they had to say.
Next up is Lance Whitnall.
“Arise Sir Lancelot.” “Lance, you are the man!” “You’d wanna be on the Blues now.”
Whether it was Tim Lane, Anthony Hudson or the late Drew Morphett on commentary, one thing is certain: Lance Whitnall’s goal in the 1999 preliminary final is the stuff of Carlton legend.
- The Full Back of the Century ✅
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) September 20, 2019
- The best three-quarter time speech of the century?
When Stephen Silvagni got to the huddle at the final change 20 years ago, he couldn't believe what he was seeing. So he took control.#BoundByBlue
With Carlton leading by two points and staring in the face of the most unlikely of victories, Whitnall marked 50 out from goal and assessed his options. Clearly, there was nothing on.
A second-generation Blue who would go onto captain the Club, this was his moment.
And the 20-year-old made the moment his own.
From 50 out in front of the MCC members, Whitnall kicked truly for one of the famous preliminary final goals: one which would prove telling come the final siren.
Unsurprisingly, it was a goal which Whitnall looks back on as the standout of his 348 in his career.
“It’s definitely the biggest moment of my career,” Whitnall said.
You love to see it.
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) September 18, 2019
Happy Fraser Brown Day. #BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/RpVXOk9u9H
“It’s the most talked-about game I’ve ever heard of, as well.
“I think Essendon were short-priced favourites and were going to win that game and win the Grand Final the following week. No one gave us a chance at all.”
Whitnall’s goal would prove to be decisive, as the eight-point buffer was just - just - enough to keep Essendon at bay.
Cometh the moment, cometh Lance.
Mercury Moments | 1999 Preliminary Final, presented by Mercury Hard Cider, is coming tonight to Carlton Media.