This time, in just over three weeks, the 2025 AFL season kicks off with the traditional Round 1 game – Richmond v Carlton at the MCG, and for most, we are all ‘chomping at the bit’ for the season to start. While we were disappointed in how Carlton’s season ended last year, we must be heartened by how the team has now developed and grown with new inclusions and those who wanted out. How with every year, the team’s core group has grown in their mindset and gameplay, and that we are on the rise.
I start this year’s blog beginning with a few statements, that I seem to have to make every season. The whole idea of this blog is not to point the finger (when things go bad) at any particular player or coach and not to single those out when things go well. There are so many ‘voices’ in that arena that the footy world does not need another. This blog is to write from a different perspective but to maintain a sense of respect for both the game and its participants on all levels.
Now, I am fully aware that not everyone will agree with me, and that is perfectly fine. I have no issue with healthy discussions and disagreements. What I will not accept nor tolerate is those who seek to call me names, be derogatory and even come out with words such as ‘you have no idea’ or ‘you are blind’ or ‘go back to the kitchen’. I respect all points of view as long as they are backed up by logic and rationale. I am perfectly comfortable with those that simply do not agree with me. That is the very nature of what a healthy environment for discussing a game that we love makes it the best game in the world.
There will be no tolerance or acceptance from those who seek to be divisive and combative and show no respect for others. There will be no tolerance or acceptance from those who single out players or coaches because they did not live up to someone outside the club’s expectations. It serves no purpose and has no value in figuring out what went wrong and how it can be changed for the team to improve.
I have seen ‘supporters’ belittle the coaches and players when things get rough, only to praise them when success occurs. I have seen and heard ‘supporters’ go on the radio making scathing and sometimes insulting remarks against the players and coaches when we played a game that we expected to win but did not. If this is who you are about as a supporter, then that is your right, but not when it infiltrates this blog.
So, with that in mind, I will never back down from someone who disagrees with my view if they cannot reply with a valid and logical response. Convince me rationally, and I will be and have been the first to say, ‘I was wrong’ or that ‘I agree with you.’
I wrote and have written that six years ago, I put down on paper where I thought the club would be at the end of each season, and so far, I have not been wrong. I do believe that given that we have waited so long for long-term success, this can only be achieved with consistency and stability both on and off the field, and we cannot expect or assume that, given this wait, it is our time now or not at all.
The game of AFL is one where supporters are passionate about the team they support, and Carlton supporters are no different. Yet we must realize that any success is a long, protracted journey. Sir Alex Ferguson, considered the greatest football (UK) manager of all time and has won more trophies than any other, managing Manchester United from 1986 to 2013, stated, ‘ Success is not permanent and failure is not fatal.’ We should remember this and get excited for the start of the 2025 AFL season, no matter if we win, lose or draw. I know I am!
As always, GO BLUES!
SPORTZ 