Had a interesting GF day, watching the game and engrossed in conversation with John E.

The man carries baggage and has to take responsibility for CFC's current position. He has had a hard time of it and after a (quite) few red wines would be the first to admit that you cop what you cop.

I went in to the day with an open mind and as a result had a fantastic day.

He is a passionate man, and he is a very smart, well educated man. I have met many many passionate Carlton supporters, but no-one as overtly determined and passionate about the Carlton cause. His intensity is deep seated and with the right intent.

O.k he has been part of a major F@#$ Up, but the guy's intent was right.

Looking forward he was convinced on a couple of matters - none which would appear as new news to TC, but is consistent with other rumours:
1) an extra ordinary GM will be called.
2) Smorgan goes and then the money comes in.
3) Money will come in large amounts once the board is removed.
4) A new board will re-engineer an opportunity to play 3-4 home games back at PP (against the interstate clubs).

O.k all may not be new news and most will remain bitter about JE. Nonetheless, my experience with him gave me hope and inspiration that there remains passionate (and smart) people behind the club.

JE is no fool, his heart is in the right place. I'd suggest we need guys like him on our side, rather than not.

Did he tell you who will be the new president.

Very interesting.....

I like the sound of the money rolling in after getting rid of the board. However, not so much about moving games back to PP. No point taking a bakwards step like that.

The new board should simply ensure that there are Social Club benefits at TD & MCG (that seems to be one of the main issues with the move).

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That's right. Gather the nector my little drones and make honey. Honey for your children.......Fools!!!

Music to my ears .... especially the PP word.

The same thing was said after Elliott was going to be removed and again rumoured when Collo was in office. I just don't believe it.

How can they host games at MC Labour park when the grandstands are gonna get knocked down and replaced with training centres, etc.?

Carlton games at Carlton are a thing of the past. Move on.

Hope he's right about the new board & bucket loads money.

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There's so much I could say...

yes he is a fool /
his past actions in business and at Carlton suggest he has no heart/
I don't want that arrogant soak on my side/

LB did you ask him to name any low profile player? He knew Sticks and Diesel and all his mates who were stars, he seemed barely able to put a name to any young player.

Go back to PP? We cannot as we have funds allocated for the development of training facilities etc. BTW what has happened to that?

Any interviews on for footy club positions while you're in town London?

Stil lthrowing the hat in the ring?

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This might sound extreme in the context of alleged sexual assault, drunken violence and a drug trafficking charge...

Hey, you take messages as they come.

The truth in what he shared was his intent (whether you believe some, all or nothing).

For whatever reason, there are $ backers out there who don't want Smorgon on board.

He is passionate - and whether you believe it or not - smart.

He is part of the past and won't ever be a formal player in the future. But, i do take heart that guys like him remain loyal. From where i sit we need some mongrel.

Fair enough LB. Did he explain how we were going to play games at P PArk when the AFL decides where games are played and won't be scheduling any there. Fact is the guy took over the most successful popular side in history and left us a penniless rabble and chooses to take no responsibility for that. I can't forgive or forget, but at least he didn't do anything to Carlton that he hasn't also done to his own personal life and business life, so there is some karma.

And if he is even slightly associated with any new ticket I won't be voting for it.

Wild Blue

I have no agenda. Will support the blues in anyway - but i draw a line in being involved in any formal capacity. Difficult to mix emotion with business.

Being once removed from melbourne these days, you get the great sense that the blues have lost their 'bite' and are potentially losing a generation of supporters.

When the opportunity came up to spend time with JE (whom i had never met before) i jumped at it.

What struck me was his passion. The same reason i get inspired when i hear the name Fraser Brown. He gives me a sense that people are prepared to start 'biting' back. We need the mongrel.

Gerry A

He can't be part of a ticket. Nontheless, i would suggest that any alternate to the current board may well have had some recent or previous association with John Elliott. 1) victoria is a very small place 2) carlton supporter base is smaller 3) influential supporter base is smaller again.

I wouldn't want JE on a future CFC board. But do believe that the options that transpire will quite probably have had a connection with him (current or past). You would be naive to think otherwise.

I believe in the Easter Bunny too.

Thanks for sharing your experience LB.

Heartening, to say the least.

I believe that something positve will happen, and soon. Money rolling in, an extra ordinary GM, and replacement of Smorgon are realistic; the PP games rather fanciful, but nevertheless a point for discussion.

Whilst I'm angry with Elliot and his failure at the helm of this great club, I have no doubt that Black Friday would not have become reality had it not been for Collins and a couple of former players spilling the beans. But they did!

As for the debt from the Grandstand, the decision for the $25M loan was based on all good intentions and the AFL's support; and ofcourse the City of Melbourne (bastards). Too much bad blood between the dictatorial AFL and Elliot. There's an old saying, and that is 'keep your enemies close', and that's where Elliot's ego got in the way. Collins and his mates in the AFL delivered the nail in the coffin.

If he's passionate for Carlton, I accept that, and him. He'll never hold a ticket, but he is thought provoking.

Long live Carlton. Bring on the change and start the renaissance, and get this precarious state we're in over and done with.

Cheers LB, I'm with you 'we need a bit of mongrel'.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

The day we get a bit of mongrel back into our football club will be the day that this whole sorry saga will begin to end.

This club really doesnt have to be the way it is right now.

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My Blue Heaven

FWIW I am quite prepared to take London Blue at his word.

Thanks for the info mate, interesting times ahead.

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"Hence you will not say that Greeks fight like heroes but that heroes fight like Greeks"?

Winston Churchill

Dont think anyone was doubting london, Agro, more casting their minds back on JE.

Not all of the stuff that JE said might occur, but the scenario he outlined is one that would cause Carlton to be reborn.

To be renewed theres one big thing that has to happen.

We have to get back to the basics that made our club great.

How do we do this?

An independant, aggressive, shrewed hard nosed attitude in our board.

Backers running the club that have or have access to plenty of money.

A bunch of top 20 draft picks

Getting out of bed with the AFL and re discovering some attitude and individualism.

A young, fresh and new coaching team.


When Carlton does these things, a whole lot of jigsaw pieces will just fall into place and we will very soon be finals challengers once again.

Once these changes happen, many will rediscover their hatred for us because of the Carlton way that we do things and the way that we stand on our feet and assert ourselves but thats just all too bad...

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My Blue Heaven

I am very sceptical of these unknown people promising loads of money if the board goes.

If true, where were these people when we really needed them. From 2002 we have had no help from these people and we obviously really could have needed it.

Like Collo and Smorgon or not, at least they have put their hand up and tried.

It will be interesting mind you to see where it all goes.