The Carlton Football Club would like to wish Blues great Ken Hands a very happy 85th birthday.

Ken Hands' illustrious 211-game career began at Carlton in 1945, where in his first year he found himself lining up at centre half-forward in the infamous bloodbath grand final. Hands had a memorable initiation into finals' football when he was poleaxed during the game. A riot broke out and Hands was helped off the field, only to return later to kick three goals and help the Blues beat South Melbourne.

Two years later, Hands enjoyed team success again with another premiership, a one-point win over Essendon. A courageous player, Hands always protected his smaller teammates. Touted as one of the best drop kicks the game has seen, he represented the big V 12 times. His great ball-handling skills and poise saw him win Carlton’s best and fairest in 1953.

An inspirational leader, Hands captained the Blues in 1952 until his retirement in 1957. After his playing career was over, he couldn’t stay away from the navy Blues. Appointed coach in 1959, he steered Carlton into yet another finals series and then into a grand final in 1962. Unlike in his playing days however, they never tasted premiership success during his coaching tenure.

Hands was named in a forward pocket in Carlton's Team of the Century, is an AFL Hall of Fame member and was made a Legend of the Carlton Football Club in 2006.

Watch the video: 2009 AFL Hall of Fame inductee Ken Hands

Watch the video: Ken Hands, Carlton Legend (Spirit of Carlton)

Ken Hands
Played 211 games for Carlton between 1945-1957
Kicked 188 goals and played in nine finals
State representative on 12 occasions
Captain from 1952-1957
Premierships 1945, 1947
Grand finals 1945, 1947, 1949, 1962 (coach)
Carlton best and fairest 1953
Carlton coach 1959-1964
Member of Carlton Team of the Century