This has been a very significant week in the history of the Carlton Football Club. For that matter, it’s been a big week for a few other clubs, and even the State Government as well.
On Monday, we at Carlton parted company with Denis Pagan, our senior coach since 2003.
On behalf of every Carlton supporter I’d like acknowledge Denis’ contribution to Carlton over these past five years.
Denis took the helm at a difficult time in our history. He accepted the challenge and he coached on.
But he also accepted that the team’s on-field performances in recent weeks left much to be desired. And so the Carlton Board concluded that ending Denis’ tenure was in the club’s best interests.
As Denis himself said in a dignified farewell on Monday, the Club will be around for a lot longer than he will, and it’s all about Carlton moving forward.
I spoke to Denis this week and thanked him personally for his efforts over the last five years. I also thanked him for the dignified manner in which he conducted himself at Monday’s news conference.
And So Carlton moves forward with our former No.7 Brett Ratten – a three-time club best and fairest and premiership player.
Brett has accepted a big responsibility but he’s well prepared.
For the record, Brett is the 30th Carlton coach in more than 100 years since the game’s first-ever coach, Jack Worrall, took on the job in 1902.
I have no doubt that Brett will go about his business with that same no-nonsense approach that marked his outstanding performances in each of his 255 games for the navy Blues.
Some may think Brett has little to achieve in these remaining six matches. but he has much to achieve.
A prime objective will be to better unify our group of young players and give them as much game time as possible to fast track their development into 2008 and beyond.
At the same time, those who take to the field for Carlton in the remaining six matches must also understand this:
When you the wear the navy blue guernsey you take on the responsibility of doing your absolute best for the club and our loyal core of 35,431 Members, who’ve pledged their faith like never before.
At the end of the day, neither Denis Pagan nor Brett Ratten nor anyone else can do it for them.
The onus is on each and every member of this team to better themselves for the betterment of Carlton.
From Bryce Gibbs through to Matthew Lappin, who today makes his 250th senior appearance, ironically against his former club; - each must give their best.
With the changing of the coaching guard at Carlton, it’s also appropriate to acknowledge the departures of Neale Daniher, Chris Connolly and of course Kevin Sheedy, whose lifetime commitment to the game has won the respect and admiration of friend and foe alike.
Football is undergoing a generational change. It’s a game which is rich in tradition, but it’s also a game which looks forward.
And today we look forward to the game against St Kilda.
I’d like to welcome our special guests; St Kilda chairman Rod Butterss; St Kilda CEO Archie Fraser; and noted St Kilda suppoters, Lindsay and David Fox; and Ian "Molly" Meldrum,
Welcome also to Carlton's No.1 ticketholder Sam Smorgon and his wife Minnie; our No.1 female ticketholder Vivienne Kerr; the Directors of the Carlton board; our CEO, Greg Swann and his wife Leonie.
In fact, welcome to each and every person here today.
In this week where so much has changed, from football coaches to State Premiers, it’s good to remember one thing:
No matter what happens, Carlton will always be the greatest club of them all.
Please enjoy the day.
