The Carlton Past Players and Officials held the inaugural annual dinner at the Carlton Social Club on Wednesday October 10th. Many former players and coaches returned home to Carlton for the occasion including Carlton Premiership coaches Ron Barassi and David Parkin and Carlton Legend Ken Hands. 1951 Carlton Best & Fairest winner Jim Clarke travelled down from Echuca-Moama to be at the function. Guests from across the generations rekindled friendships, shared past glories and voiced their commitment to the regeneration of Carlton both on and off the field.

The opportunity to discuss the Club’s current developments and plans for the future provided the former players and officials with an insight into what the future holds, particularly for the Carlton Football Ground.

Importantly the Past Players and Officials confirmed their commitment to continue to provide support for the Carlton Football Club and for everyone that has been involved with the Club over the years. As well as seeing the Association as providing assistance with fundraising activities the Past Players and Officials understand the importance of supporting Carlton and everyone that is part of the Carlton Football Club. Carlton is about people and through the Association and other important groups involved with the Club it is the ongoing contact and support from people that will ensure Carlton maintains a successful culture. As Denis Munari the President of the Past Players and Officials said, “While the Carlton Football Club must focus on the future and ensuring success for everyone involved at Carlton, we must continue to respect our past.”

The Past Players and Officials Annual Dinner provides a further opportunity to respect our great history.