PRESIDENT RichardPratt announced at this evening’s official dinner that Carlton has more than 35,000 members for thefirst time in its history.

Pratt announcedthe Blues set a membership record of 35,087, surpassing the previous record of33,534 set in 2005.

In announcingthe record, Pratt said it was a wonderful achievement and showed him that Carlton people stick and praised all Carlton members.

 “You have played your part,” he said in hispre-match speech at Telstra Dome on Friday.

“Thank yousincerely for your unswerving display of faith … we expect to repay that faithwith interest and it won’t be a question of if, but when.”

The 2007membership is more 6,300 more than last year’s total of 28,756.

In more goodnews, Nick Stevens was given the all-clear by medical staff to commence hislong recovery.

His surgeon is pleasedwith Stevens’ progress following neck surgery and has given him clearance tocommence jogging and stationary bike riding from next week.

“I am wrapt, Iknow it is only the start but I am looking forward to getting back into doingsome activities,” he said.

“It may only be the start of a long process but itwill be great to get started as it means that I can now start the preparationto play football again.”