More than 600 people turned out at the Grand Hyatt for Thursday's Spirit of Carlton lunch, celebrating Carlton’s captains.
Current captain Marc Murphy was joined by his teammates and past leaders who are still at the Club, including Stephen Kernahan, Andrew McKay and Chris Judd.
Other former captains in attendance included Ken Hands, Sergio Silvani, Ron Barassi, Robert Walls, Percy Jones, Wayne Johnston, Mark Maclure, Craig Bradley, Anthony Koutoufides, Lance Whitnall, endeavour the great John Nicholls.
Coach Mick Malthouse gave the opening address, saying of all the clubs he has been a part of, the thing that stands out about Carlton the most is the way it continues to look after players when they retire from football.
"They're still a part of the family. This Club stands alone in its endeavour and its history - they look after those players so well."
There were laughs as past players reminisced over old stories – Wayne Johnston revealing how he got his nickname “The Dominator”.
Johnston, who was Carlton Captain from 1980-1983, says it came about after he claimed to have been dominating in a room full of ladies at a nightclub – only to later be ejected by security and go home alone.
Carlton greats Sergio Silvagni, John Nicholls, Ron Barassi and Chris Judd catch up. (Photo: Carlton Football Club)
“We had fellas like Maclure and Buckley and blokes like that around the footy club, so there wasn’t much that didn’t get through the door,” Johnston said.
“I turned up to training the next morning, and they said to me as I walked in a bit sheepish, ‘G’day Dominator, how are you?’”
“They made out that my ego was well in advance of my ability.”
The gathering also heard from Ken Hands, Carlton captain from 1952-1957.
Hands, who wore the number one guernsey now sported by Andrew Walker, enjoyed much success at Carlton, playing in two premierships and later coaching the side.
But one of his great achievements, that perhaps isn’t as widely known, is that it was Hands who was responsible for recruiting John Nicholls to Carlton.
“I was very fortunate to play with him in his first year and my last,” Hands said of Nicholls.
“What a great ambassador he has been for the club.”
Here are the thoughts of some of Carlton's former captains on the Spirit of Carlton lunch:
"For me it's a lovely day. Our footy Club continues to improve, and this will go on longer than you and I, and the rest of the people in the room. We're just a passing parade of people who enjoy the company of each other." Mark Maclure
"It's wonderful. It's great seeing all these old faces – you see them around now and then, but it's great seeing them all at once." Percy Jones
"It's great catching up with everyone at events like the Spirit of Carlton – it's great to see everyone back together. Hopefully we can get over the Bulldgos this weekend and get into the finals." Jim Buckley
"It's pretty awesome. Coming back and seeing all these great captains and great players. It's a great thrill." Lance Whitnall
"I regard it as a pleasure, seeing a lot of people that I haven't seen for a long while. I had some happy years at Carlton." Ron Barassi
