Some of the more revered names in Carlton history – and others not so well-known – have returned to Visy Park to support today’s senior players in their final warm-up for tomorrow night’s match with reigning Premiers Hawthorn at the MCG.
Joining Carlton President Stephen Kernahan and fellow Director Adrian Gleeson were Premiership players Ken Hunter, Ken Sheldon, Peter Bosustow, Mark Maclure and Greg Williams.
Also there was one-game player, Maryborough’s John Stephenson, who followed John Nicholls to Carlton in that landmark season of 1957.
“I came to Carlton in the same season as John. John was very successful and I was not so successful . . . but I did manage to play,” Stephenson said.
“My father played for Carlton a long while back, in 1920 . . . so it’s a great honor to be here.”
Stephenson and co. are amongst the 260 former Carlton footballers, including Hall of Fame Legends and Members, to have committed to Saturday night’s 150th anniversary celebrations at The Plenary.
Former players from as far back as Ken Hopper, a 17-game player through 1945/’46 who ironically later crossed to Hawthorn, will be in attendance. Also there will be “Big Nick’s” older brother, the 77-game Carlton centreman Don Nicholls, while the 102-game midfielder Berkley Cox will be jetting in from Tasmania.
Carlton’s three living Brownlow Medallists – Gordon Collis (1964), Greg Williams (1994) and Chris Judd (2011) – will also be in the house.
“It’s a big week for the club,” Kernahan said after the training session. “We’ve got a game tomorrow night which is absolutely the most important thing, and Saturday night is a one-off and I can’t wait to see old faces in the room.
“This is Carlton – players and people getting together and celebrating what this club is all about.”
