Carlton’s leadership group and coaching staff were joined by corporate partners and guests to mark the start of the 2012 season for the Blues.
As well as a commanding performance by Dame Edna, guests also heard from Carlton President Stephen Kernahan, Coach Brett Ratten and Captain Chris Judd.
The Carlton President also had the envious task of escorting Dame Edna to the stage for her performance. Four trumpeters announced the arrival of Dave Edna and Stephen Kernahan to the stage for Dame Edna’s performance that left many in the room in tears from laughter.
Prior to the performance Kernahan paid an emotional tribute to Jim Stynes the former Melbourne champion, President and outstanding community leader who passed away earlier this week following a long battle with cancer.
As for the 2012 season Kernahan said he, like all Carlton supporters, was looking forward to the new season with genuine anticipation and excitement. He was pleased that there were expectations on Carlton in 2012 and believes the team has shown great improvement in recent years and the expectations go with this continued improvement.
However Kernahan was quick to remind everyone that AFL is a very tough business, there are no short cuts and it is time for the hard work to begin.
Ratten, as he has previously said, was also happy with the expectations that the Blues go into the season with. “We finished 5th last year and we want to continue to improve so a top four finish is our objective in 2012,” Ratten confirmed.
He also said he was looking forward to getting the season underway next Thursday night against Richmond at the MCG and while the Blues did not win a pre-season game Ratten said he was very happy with the preparation for the season confirming the pre-season campaign was focused on game time for individual players to prepare for the season proper.
Captain Chris Judd, Dame Edna Everage and President Stephen Kernahan.
Captain Chris Judd said that while predictions of where a team will finish in a season is more for the media and supporters to discuss, he is pleased to be going into the season with real expectations for a successful 2012.
“Expectation is a positive thing for a footy club. The only sides that don’t have expectations are those that either finished on the bottom last year or expect to this season.
“If you want to be a successful club expectation is one of the many things you have to deal with along the journey,” Judd said.
The Season has been launched off the field, now it is time to launch the 2012 season on the field - Thursday March 29 against Richmond at the MCG at 7:45pm.
Be there for the beginning!
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