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Click here to post your tributes to Lance Whitnall on the end of a great career at Carlton
The Carlton Football Club has confirmed that after much deliberation Lance Whitnall will not be offered a new playing contract in 2008.
“This has been a very tough decision for everyone and there is no doubt the degenerative knee injury that has restricted Lance’s preparation for games has impacted on the decision. It is very disappointing for Lance and for the Club that his playing career at Carlton has ended earlier than we had all hoped,” Carlton CEO Greg Swann said today.
In 2007 Whitnall missed seven games between rounds 13 and 19 due to the knee injury. However he was clearly hampered in a number of games and the injury restricted his preparation to play. A post-season operation confirmed the knee would impact on his immediate training and preparation for 2008.
Carlton Vice-President, Stephen Kernahan, who played his last season at Carlton when Lance Whitnall played his first, paid tribute to Whitnall’s 11-year career with Carlton.
“Lance has been a wonderful player for Carlton since he commenced his career as a 17 year-old in 1997. He made his debut in my final season and he certainly had an immediate impact, holding down centre half-forward and playing 18 games in his first year,” Kernahan said.
“He has had a tremendous career at Carlton, playing over 200 games, is a Club Captain, a Best & Fairest winner, three time pre-season premiership player, All Australian and he is a Life Member of the Carlton Football Club. He has been a wonderful player and has had to endure some very tough years when our Club has been at a very low point in our history.”
Swann and Kernahan were disappointed with weekend reports the Club had sacked Whitnall. While they confirmed Brett Ratten had spoken directly to Lance on Friday afternoon and Carlton will not offer him a new playing contract, the reporting of the matter did not reflect the decision or the meeting with Lance.
Both agreed this private discussion was held to enable Lance to consider his position and to enable the club to assist with his future plans.
“We wanted Lance to consider his options going forward, including the opportunity to retire if that was his wish. He has given this Club tremendous service and has been one of the best players at Carlton in his 11 years since making his debut and it is important that the Carlton Football Club shows dignity and acknowledges his career as well as assisting him with the next stage of his life,” Kernahan said.
“Unfortunately the weekend reports did not provide Lance or the Carlton Football Club with the opportunity to officially make this announcement in a manner in keeping with his wonderful contribution to the Club.
“While the Club must continue to move forward and focus on the positive future, and we believe this decision is the best for Carlton, it is important that we continue to respect our past, in particular the players that have been such an important part of this Club.”
“On behalf of everyone at Carlton, including the thousands of Carlton members and supporters I wish to thank Lance for the contribution he has made to the Carlton Football Club and wish him well for the future,” Kernahan said.
Swann confirmed that Carlton will be working with Whitnall and his manager to assist with his future and opportunities that may be available both in football and away from the game.
Lance Whitnall
Games – 216
Goals – 348
DOB: 23-08-1979
Recruited From: Lalor/Northern U18
Draft history: 1996 National AFL Draft Father-Son selection (Carlton).
Carlton Player Number: 1013
Carlton Debut: Round 1 1997 v Essendon at MCG
Carlton Captain - 2007
Carlton pre-season premiership - 1997, 2005, 2007
Best & Fairest 2006, Runner Up 1998, 3rd 2005
Leading Goalkicker - 1998, 1999, 2000
All Australian - 2000
AFL Rising Star nominee - 1997
Life Member of the Carlton Football Club
