It was a special day for Carlton Life Members at Etihad Stadium on Sunday with more than 80 attending the game as the special guests of the Club. The Life Members attended the official President’s function prior to the Carlton home game against West Coast as the Club celebrated the contributions made by these Life Members over the last 70-years.

Carlton President Stephen Kernahan welcomed the special guests and his address to all guests at the function centred on the wonderful contributions made by these people.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for us to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions you have made to the Carlton Football Club. The past players and coaches are more well known for your deeds on the ground and every premiership player is a Life Member of the Club.

“It is the Coterie Members, Boot Studders, Trainers, Property Stewards, Administrators, Board Members and Staff that are not as well known to the public but whose contributions to the Club have been just as important,” Kernahan said.

“Your presence here today is important as we acknowledge our history and the people that helped shape the Carlton Football Club - one of the greatest sporting clubs in Australia.

“Members are the lifeblood of the football club, and at Carlton you are the bluebloods. On Behalf of the Board and everyone involved with the Carlton Football Club, to you the Life Members of the Club, I simply say Thank You.”

While the result of the game was not what Carlton members and supporters wanted, there was a tremendous atmosphere in the function room prior to the game with Life Members from many eras having the opportunity to renew acquaintances and talk about times gone by as well as the progress of the current Carlton team.