After welcoming the special guests at the official Carlton President’s Dinner prior to the Round 9 match against Geelong, Carlton President Stephen Kernahan spoke about the loss to the football world following the passing of Bob Davis and said for the future of the game clubs must be financially supported from the money coming into the game via the new broadcast deal.
Below is a summary of Stephen Kernahan’s address at the President’s Dinner.
“Earlier this week football lost a great of our game. Tonight prior to the game both teams will line up and we will observe a minutes’ silence as we remember Bob Davis. On behalf of the Carlton Football Club we extend our sincere condolences to the Davis Family and also to the Geelong Football Club on the passing of a Club Legend.
“Having met Bob and seeing him on television perhaps it should be a minute of applause for all the entertainment he provided so many, both on and off the field.
“This will be right before a very important game, particularly for Carlton. A real test to see where we are - against a side that has taken all before it this season.
“I also wish to acknowledge the AFL’s Indigenous Round and like you I am looking forward, as we do every week, to seeing the Indigenous players in action. Their skills and the excitement they generate really ad to our game and is a reflection of the contributions made to football by the Indigenous communities.”
Kernahan congratulated the AFL on initiatives such as the Indigenous Round and support the game provides to so many in the community.
He said, “We are all proud to be involved in this great game and the work the clubs, the players and the AFL do in the community is part of why it is a great industry to be involved in”.
Kernahan confirmed the new Broadcast Rights have provided a very pleasing outcome and said there is sure to be some interesting negotiations between AFL and AFLPA, confirming that he believes the players deserve a fair share of this increase.
However Kernahan said it was important the AFL remembered the Clubs.
“Importantly with the increased revenue for the game it is time the AFL remembered the Clubs. The Clubs put the game on each week; the Clubs have the supporters and the members. People barrack for a particular Club; financial support for clubs is supporting the millions involved in the game.
“The game is very strong and importantly we have made huge investments in the northern markets to continue the growth of the game. It is now time to ensure Clubs in the strong southern markets are given the support to ensure we do not lose ground in the traditional football areas. We must ensure our Clubs are given the support needed to capitalize on the 150 years work that has gone into making these Clubs, and the game, what it is today.”
In closing Kernahan congratulated Dennis Armfield on reaching his 50 game milestone in tonight’s game and hoped Carlton would be able to celebrate the milestone with a victory.
