Kernahan was speaking at the official Carlton Luncheon prior to Carlton’s round four home match against traditional rival Essendon at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
“It is a real traditional match today,” Kernahan said.
“Saturday afternoon at the home of football, the MCG and traditional rivals, there are not too many games bigger than this one. Adding to the day is the fact both teams are undefeated to date in 2012,” added Kernahan.
Speaking in front of over 400 guests at the luncheon the Carlton President welcomed a number of key sponsors and special guests including Melbourne Victory Assistant Coach and keen Carlton supporter, Kevin Muscat and Australia’s most successful basketball coach Brian Goorjian who is a former National Coach who won six NBL titles and is now coaching in China.
Kernahan spoke about Carlton’s record television audiences for the first three games of the 2012 season with each game attracting more than one million viewers. He highlighted last Friday night’s game which attracted 1.5million viewers, the highest for a home and away game for five years.
“Our membership is also on track for a new record this year with over 43,000 members already. While this is great news we must all continue to work hard to reach 50,000 members in 2012.
“This is one area all Carlton supporters can assist the club.
“Our goal is top four on the field and that is for the players and coaches to achieve. Off the field our goal is 50,000 members and that is for every Carlton supporter to achieve,” Kernahan said.
The Carlton President also thanked Hyundai for their support of the Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Foundation and praised the work of the Carlton players for their involvement in assisting to promote the Foundation and for visiting children in the Royal Children’s Hospital during the week.
“This is an important part of our work in the community and it is a real credit to the players for the manner in which they assist others in the community.”
In closing Kernahan said he hoped the day was an expensive one for Hyundai who will donate $1,000 for every goal Carlton kicks in the game, to the Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Foundation.
“Hyundai are great friends of the Carlton Football Club and it may sound strange to say this to our joint major sponsor, but I do hope today is an expensive one for Hyundai with many thousands of dollars being donated to the Steven Walter Children’s Cancer Foundation.”
