Good evening ladies and gentlemen,

We’ve just seen some of the spectacular highlights of Alex Jesaulenko’s playing career. Like John Nicholls and Ron Barassi before him, Alex is now an official legend of the Australian Football Hall of Fame

The mere mention of his name conjures images of everything we love about footy . . . The high marks, the freakish goals and the playing genius….. Few players before or since could hope to repeat it.

Indeed the word “Jezza” is as much a part of the Australian vernacular as “pie and sauce”.

Jezza worked for us at visy for quite a few years.  I have to say that as a box salesman, he made a spectacular footballer. But Jezza forged his own place in Carlton history. Tonight I want to single out some of our current Carlton players who are continuing that proud tradition.

Our vice-captain Nick Stevens, will shortly take to the field for his 200th AFL match, including 73 for the mighty blues.

I also congratulate Chris Judd, Jarrad Waite and Brendan Fevola. Their recent performances for Carlton earned them state selection for the big V . . …….. And didn’t they look good in dark navy blue against the dream team?

It’s certainly been a big week for “Fev”.

Like “Stevo”, he’s also celebrating a milestone tonight.  It’s his 150th appearance for Carlton.

We all know Fev has had his moments.  But we also know what he can do when he puts his mind to it.

For example, I’m told he approached Chris Judd in the Victorian rooms before last week’s game, saying “hey Juddy, would you mind having a look at my acceptance speech? . . . I’m going to win the Allen Aylett Medal tonight!”

He was true to his word. So let’s hope he keeps that standard up tonight and beyond.

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re now a third of the way into the 2008 season. So it’s worth reflecting on the fortunes of the  club so far.

Matchday attendances are averaging more than 55,000 per game. That’s an increase of six per cent on last year.

Club membership is yet again at an all-time high. We’re currently at 39,250 members. That’s 18 per cent more than this time last year. The magic 40,000 mark is in sight. A win tonight will put us through.

Merchandise sales are up 15 per cent… i think it’s mostly in number 5 jumpers. .. Corporate support and sponsorship is up 30 per cent.

The recent match against West Coast attracted the highest rating TV audience of the round – more than a million viewers tuned in.

In fact, average TV audiences for Carlton’s home and away matches are up by a whopping 68 per cent.

I think this all reflects the real progress our young team is making under Brett Ratten. 

And it’s also due to the work we’re doing off the field.

But we’ve still got plenty to do to restore this club to its rightful place as the greatest club in the league.

Tonight’s match against Brisbane is the most immediate challenge.

And as we cheer our boys on, watch closely….. . . There may be another “Jezza” amongst them.

Thanks for listening and enjoy the game.