There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes in being a member of the banner crew. Up to 20 passionate and proud Dockers supporters, aged between 25 and 83, volunteer their time every Monday night at a local gymnasium to create the 18 metre wide, by six metre high banner.

The passion for the club is obvious as soon as you arrive at the hall to create the banner. Numerous cars have Fremantle Dockers number plates, some members of the crew are wearing Freo socks, polo shirts and other purple apparel, and even the sticky tape and scissors box is decorated with Dockers jersey contact paper.

We were greeted by team leader, Maria Giglia, who has been involved with making the banners since they started making them from Perth back in 1998. Many of the other crew members had also been there for 10 years or more.

Although I had never helped make a banner before, you get a real sense of ownership as you help cut, stick and lay out all of the components of the giant red, purple and green masterpiece. The discussion revolves around all things Freo, and you can’t help but get excited for the coming game.

Asking Maria if she ever gets sick of making them each week, she told us that no matter how many banners she makes, she loves doing every one of them.

“It takes between 4-5 hours to make each banner, and just a few seconds for the players to run through it,” Maria said. “But it’s exciting every single time.

“We do it simply because we enjoy it.”

On Sunday, we arrived at the game two hours before the bounce to finish preparations for the banner. We were again greeted by Maria, and given our access pass. This allowed us to walk past the influx of security guards and enter through the same gate as the players, staff and media personnel. As you walk in, it is impossible not to spot some of your favourite players as they arrive and prepare for the game.

After completing the final touches to the banner, we went and waited in the race, where the Dockers run out on to the ground. It was here that we were greeted by some of Freo’s injured players including Luke McPharlin, Des Headland and Chris Mayne. West Australian Premier, Colin Barnett and Rick Hart also stopped to say hello.

Waiting down the race to bring the banner onto the ground is electric. Being right next to the players’ rooms you can hear balls being kicked, players psyching themselves up and the crowd cheering loudly above you. Their excitement becomes your excitement as you are so close to the pre-game action.

A feeling of what can only be described as ‘exciting nerves’ came upon us as Maria told us it was time to go.

Walking onto the ground in front of an ever-filling Subiaco crowd was nothing short of extraordinary. Standing near the centre square holding the banner, I looked around at each stand as a sea of purple supporters clapped and cheered, giving a feeling that would surely still excite even the most seasoned AFL veteran.

I have sat among some of the loudest fans at Subiaco Oval as the players have run out onto the ground, but to experience it from on the oval can only be described as sitting at home, in a small enclosed room with your surround sound speakers up full ball. It is incredibly loud, and you can’t help but smile and feel a sense of pride as the players run right next to you, and through what represents the banner team’s love, loyalty and passion for their club.

That passion continues throughout the game as you watch your team, knowing you’ve played but a small part in helping continue Fremantle’s success.

A big thank you to all of the crew that put in countless hours each season to create what has become such a great tradition for our club and supporters… the banner.

As a member of the club for many years, my regular seats were in the section next to the cheer squad, and I often wondered what it would be like to sit among them and be seen as one of the ‘die hard’ fans of the team we love. For those of you that have never had the opportunity to be among them, this is my experience…

I arrived at the game about an hour before bounce down, and watched as the large pom poms were carried into the ground and layed to form a sea of Dockers colours along the boundary line. I sat and spoke with people who were attending their very first live game, and others who had only missed a handful of games since the Dockers inception into the league, 15 years ago.

Wearing my Freo polo shirt and scarf, I felt somewhat naked, as an influx of people wearing Dockers jerseys (many signed and covered with their favourite players badges), beanies, purple pants and jackets, Dockers socks pulled up to their knees, Freo ‘dread lock’ hats and more, poured in and filled the cheer squad section. Veteran supporters were carrying cushions that had been moulded to the shapes of their seat, and flags were an obvious necessity, with rarely a member of the squad not carrying one.

As I sat down, arguably the youngest Freo cheer squad member was sitting, well more like laying, directly in front of me. Six month old Adrian was attending his fifth Dockers game of the season, wearing his ‘number one Docker’s supporter’ jumpsuit and Freo beanie.

An almighty roar erupted around me, as fans stood to their feet and waved their flags, to welcome their favourite Fremantle players on to the ground, for a quick warm up before the game.

There are nets directly behind the goals to help stop the balls from hitting fans during kicking practice, but their effectiveness is minimal as half the balls seem to clear the nets and make their way into the crowd. At one stage, four of five balls made their way over the nets at the same time. The buzz of balls constantly flying around you brings an excitement into the squad that results in loud cheers for every goal, and younger fans scrambling to pick up a footy and attempt to throw it back over the fence.

At one stage, a ball came flying over the nets, and I thought ‘It’s coming straight at me’. I can’t tell you the amount of balls I’ve marked playing local footy or during kick to kick with friends, but as I saw the ball coming straight at me with a large crowd watching to see where it’s going, nerves kicked in and I stuck out my hands, hoping it would stick. Thankfully it did, and I felt like a superstar as the crowd around me applauded the mark.

As the game began, the feeling became even more electric, especially since I was so close to the oval, and really felt a part of the game. Kepler Bradley quickly became the hero after kicking the two opening goals for Freo, igniting the crowd into ‘FREO’ chants. With the Dockers kicking to the members end in the first quarter, the cheers were at times deafening, as Freo poured on six goals, and 11 scoring shots.

The cheer squad was in full swing by the third quarter, as we poured on an equal club best 10 goal haul. The crowd all but remained standing in ovation as Ballantyne, Hasleby, Mayne, Fyfe, Pavlich and Hill all kicked goals in quick succession. Purple flags engulfed the view, as fans danced and cheered with every score.

Throughout the game, there was one young man in particular who would lead many of the chants, and turn around to the crowd, getting them in full cheer. Known as the ‘anchorman’ because he has a Dockers anchor etched and bleached into his hair, Travis Wright has been a member of the cheer squad for seven years, joining when he was just 13. His second year as a member saw him take the lead in many of the squad’s chants.

“I was sitting around older guys that would get the crowd cheering” he said, “and so I decided to join in one time, and now the crowd expect me to do it.”

When asked if he felt any pressure to get the crowd involved during winning and losing games, he said “Nah, it’s all just about the fun and getting people to have a good time.”

On the way home from the game, I overheard that the Kangaroos were flying out that night, so I decided to go talk to them about just how effective Freo fans are at getting inside the oppositions head.

Veteran North Melbourne backman, Brady Rawlings, said that the crowd certainly does help influence the game, as well as individual players.

“You can definitely hear some things being called out at you but you just have to try ignore them” he said.

“You definitely knew when [tonight’s] game was finished by the noise the crowd made”.

Key North Melbourne defender, Scott McMahon, complimented the impressive Dockers outfit, stating that Freo had played really well tonight.

“It also makes a difference when you have the AFL’s best ruckman [Aaron Sandilands], and arguably the number one forward [Pavlich], in your team” he said.

To really experience a Dockers home game, I recommend sitting among your fellow supporters in the cheer squad, even just once. As always, please feel free to write in and leave comments, and let me know of your experiences in the cheer squad or around the ground at OggsBlog@fremantlefc.com.au.

Be sure to check out Oggs Blog after our next home game against the Saints, as I bring you an insiders view on what it’s like to help create the Dockers banner, walk it out onto Subiaco Oval, and hold it up on the ground as our Freo boys run through.

See you at the next home game.

This amazing build up before the first bounce is just a typical part of us Docker’s fanatics weekend, and when Collingwood is the opposition, you just know there is going to be some ‘friendly debate’.

I was lucky enough to be one of the 41,624 strong crowd at the big game on Friday night. This is how it happened, from my eyes…

The banter began the moment I walked out of my front door and down to the bus stop. Several cars beeped, calling out ‘Let’s Go Freo’ as they drove past, followed by a thumbs up. Supporters of the opposition also made their voices heard, but weren’t as pleasant in their chants.

Vocal Collingwood supporters jeered Freo fans on, as the train continuously became more and more overcrowded. ‘Hey fence sitters, did you get your Dockers gear out of the cupboard and blow of the dust this year cause they are winning’, one Magpie fan stated, as a battle of both clubs team songs rang loudly throughout the train.

As more people endeavoured to pile into the squashed carriage, Freo fans welcomed each other, and found room for them to come on board, while joking that those in the black and white should exit and catch the next train. ‘Freo, Way to go’ and ‘Carn the Pies’, was bellowed all the way to West Leederville station, and continued as the mass of supporters piled down the walkways and out into the shadows of Subiaco Oval.

With top spot on the AFL ladder up for grabs, numerous fans made the trip over from Melbourne, just to be a part of the action. One of these fans was Collingwood’s number one supporter, Joffa ‘the man with the golden jacket’ Corfe.

As I approached him, wearing as much Freo apparel as humanly possible, I asked him if he really thought his boys could overcome our red hot Dockers.

“Mate, I’m very, very confident,” he said.

We then shook hands, wished each other luck, and moved to our seats.

It’s amazing who else you meet at the football, as fellow strangers become mates to unite and cheer on the team.

I sat directly behind Grant Thompson, who informed me he had been a Docker’s member, and sat in the same section for over 10 years. He just recently had to move from his original seat to a few rows behind, purely because he encouraged other family members and friends to join, and there were no longer enough seats next to him to accommodate for them all.

Another one-eyed Freo supporter, Denise McLean, made the trip down from Geraldton, a town five hours north of Perth, after winning the tickets in a competition on fremantlefc.com.au.

“A lot of the trip was along dirt roads to get here,” Denise said.

“We packed a lunch and left this morning,” she joked.

As the game began, the crowd was becoming obviously frustrated, as several decisions turned into Collingwood goals. Although Freo went into quarter time four goals down, the crowd had great belief in their team, commenting that the second quarters were often our strongest.

This proved true as the Dockers came out, kicking an array of goals and igniting the Freo faithful. When Matthew Pavlich snapped a goal over his head from the goal square, the crowd was in full roar, chanting ‘FREO’ with such deafening force that it made it nearly impossible to hear yourself scream. Stephen Hill also achieved this thunderous ovation, after splitting the middle of the goals from 55 metres out.

Although the game took a turn for the worse, with Collingwood piling on a seven goal third quarter, Dockers fans continued to show their passion, backing their boys 100 per cent throughout the remainder of the game.

Judging by the reaction of the crowd, it will not be long until the numbers 21 and 32 dominate the backs of most Fremantle jumpers. Michael Barlow and Stephen Hill were the obvious favourites throughout the game, as fans constantly demanded that the ball be in their possession, cheering at every opportunity when it was.

As the game concluded with a loud round of applause from the loyal Freo followers, I spoke with young Jesse Dart, who has made several appearances on the Footy Show, is well known by the Fremantle Football Club, and is currently on the Sunday Times advertisements.

When asked what he thought went wrong tonight, Jesse stated that the Magpies were simply too good, and were much cleaner in their disposals.

“Collingwood dominated most of the game,” he said.

“We [the Dockers] just had too many turnover kicks.”

Although the final scoreboard wasn’t what many had hoped, Fremantle supporters still left the game with a sense of achievement and confidence, excited to see how their team will improve for next week’s game against the Swans at the SCG.

Well that’s my insight into what it’s like being at a sold out Friday night blockbuster. Make sure you come back to “OGG’s BLOG” every Monday after Fremantle home games, as I share with you different aspects of the club. In two weeks, I’ll be joining the Cheer Squad behind the goals to share the game experience with some of the biggest die-hard Freo fans.

Feel free ask me any questions or make comments about your own experiences at the game by emailing me at oggsblog@fremantlefc.com.au

I hope to see you at the next game when we take on the Roos.

LEGENDS

3) My number three ‘Legend’ of the week is Neil Craig and the Adelaide Football Club for taking a stand against players who do not follow club rules. Omitting Bernie Vince is a huge call by the club, considering he has been a dominant possession getter for them. With Adelaide’s season already in dire straits, hopefully the other players will continue to consider their team mates first, and not make consequential decisions.

2) How can you go past Brett Kirk as this week’s number two ‘Legend’? Arguably one of the Swans most influential players ever, round 22 of the AFL Premiership season will be a very sad day for many people, regardless of if you love or hate Sydney. Enjoy sticking your heading out the window like a dog Brett Kirk, and let the air blow through your hair

1) After scoring 192 Dream Team points in his game against North Melbourne, it is very hard to go past Brian Lake as the number one ‘Legend’ of the week. With 41 possessions and 22 marks in the backline, Lake single handedly showed his fellow team mates how to get the job done in defense. With Essendon being the Bulldogs next opponent, I wouldn’t predict another 41 possession game, but I bet that he will come close.

LOSERS

3) My number three ‘Loser’ is both Jack Riewoldt and the umpire that gave him a free kick after he tried to punch the broken hand that sidelined Bomber Tayte Pears for several weeks. Before the start of the game Riewoldt attempted to punch Pears’ hand, and when he retaliated simply by bumping him up a bit, the umpire gave Riewoldt a free kick almost directly in front of goals. Rightfully so, Riewoldt hit the post and Essendon responded with a seven goal first quarter.

2) My number two ‘Loser’ is the North Melbourne players involved in the Barry Hall debacle. I know that it is the job of a backman to get into the head of his opponent, and I had no problem with Scott Thompsons somewhat dirty bump on Hall when he was tying his boot laces, it was the immature way the other Kangaroos players reacted, that gives them ‘Loser’ status. Three of them attacked Barry Hall when he was on the floor, with another handful of players running into him and pushing off him as he tried to run from the ground. It showed a lack of respect, a lack of integrity, and the true character of a team that prides itself on being family orientated. With AFL players already having bad reputations (generally speaking) due to drug, alcohol and violent behaviors, these Kangaroos players continued to fuel this stigma, by letting testosterone, not common sense, rule their actions. Grow up to all those North Melbourne players involved, and remember that there are children and youth watching the ‘examples’ you set on the field.

1) My number one ‘Loser’ of the week is the entire St Kilda football club. My son is a big Clinton Jones fan, so I called the club to see if they had an open training session or any opportunity for me to get a photo of Jones and my son. I was told that St Kilda will now only have closed training sessions in Perth and due to ‘media’ will not be releasing airport times. The football club went to such extremes to avoid fans that they hinted that Saturday would probably be when they flew in to Perth (they came in on Friday), they apparently flew with a completely different airline than the all of the other AFL teams – I presume to avoid their fans and the ‘media’, then allegedly drove straight out onto the tarmac when leaving Perth – again to avoid any contact with supporters. How much trouble and extra cost did they go to, to avoid those that love to see them the most?  I know with that act alone, there would be no way possible that I would even consider renewing, or taking out a membership with the club.

The event is run each year by the WA Bombers, a voluntary organisation of Perth-based Essendon members and supporters.

Hosted by 6PR’s Gary Carvolth, 170 fans came to enjoy a warm breakfast and hear from their favourite players.

Due to the 2010 Red Bull Air Race being held in Perth, the players had to travel from Scarborough’s Rendezvous Hotel, and battle with road closures and traffic. This resulted in the club arriving late, and spending just a brief time with their adoring fans.

Although some members had joked about throwing the tomatoes from their breakfast at the players, because of their poor performance on Friday, the red and black faithful stood and cheered for their team as they made their way up on stage.

Their late arrival, and tight time restrictions limited the amount of team interviews.  Coach Matthew Knights, captain Jobe Watson and local hero Patty Ryder were the three selected to address their supporters.

Bombers Coach Matthew Knights speaks with Gary Carvolth

Matthew Knights spoke about the importance of victories when traveling interstate, stating that his players really need to approach these games with a higher attitude of intensity, particularly when facing teams in Western Australia.

He went on to compliment his team for never giving up during last night’s loss, particularly in the final quarter when they were more than 7 goals behind.

“It’s a testament to the boys that they kept fighting to get within four goals” Knights said.

He expressed that the same fight will be needed as Collingwood host the Bombers in Sunday’s Anzac Day clash.

“It’s a great day on the football calendar to be involved with” Knights said. “At the Essendon footy club, it’s a really proud day, and it’s something that you’ll always remember, standing out on the ground when the last post is played.”

“It’s a great week for the club” Knights concluded.

Leading possession winner and club captain, Jobe Watson, spoke candidly and bluntly about his teams disappointing onfield performance against the Eagles.

Essendon Captain Jobe Watson addresses fans

“They (West Coast) simply wanted the win more than we did,” he said.

“We were in a similar position as them, coming in to this game, and needed to play at a higher level to win”.

He then went on to give insight on how the club was progressing, as AFL football continues to evolve.

“We aren’t as tough as other teams,” Watson admitted, “and it’s why we are getting left behind when we run on the ground.

“Great teams know they are accountable to who they run out with. We (as a team) have got to be honest with each other.” he said.

To the excitement of many supporters, Patty Ryder was the final Bomber to address his local fans.

Local Bomber Patrick Ryder

He spoke of his time growing up and playing football in Geraldton, Western Australia, before spending a short stint at East Fremantle, on his way to being recruited by Essendon.

“I only played half a dozen games with the Sharks.” Ryder said. “I’ve played 77 games with the Bombers now.”

6 other West Australian Bombers players made the trip to Perth, including new recruit, Travis Colyer, who played his first game in the West, after being selected in last year’s AFL draft.

Another standing ovation and round of applause was the given as the players left the function, and headed straight to the airport.

As the morning progressed, former Bomber champion Tony Buhagiar dropped by to address the Bombers members.

Buhagiar played for Essendon from 1980 to 1985. During his time at the club,

Tony Buhagiar played for the Bombers in the 80's

he received many great accolades including: leading goal kicker, highest Essendon Brownlow vote getter, best first year player, most determined player, was named by ‘Inside Football’ as a forward pocket in the team of the year, and more.   

Buhagiar spoke openly about his disappointment of being dropped from Essendon’s 1984 Grand Final team, who went on to beat Hawthorn in an infamous come from behind victory.

After injury had seen him miss part of the season, Coach Kevin Sheedy named Buhagiar as an emergency, behind Mark Thompson (current Geelong head coach) and Mark Harvey (current Fremantle head coach).

“I was shattered when I missed the 1984 Grand Final,” Buhagiar said, “and I don’t think I’ve still fully recovered from it, to be honest.”

Buhagiar recently ended a nine year stint as a board member at the Fremantle Football Club, and spoke candidly of the Docker’s regular intentions to lure Essendon players over to the club.

“We were chasing (Tayte) Pears and (Cale) Hooker at one stage,” Buhagiar said, “but instead we got Adam McPhee.”

He concluded by complimenting the Bombers recruitment of local West Australian players.

“They consistently make good choices with players they select from the West” he said.

The morning concluded with a host of auctions and prizes being awarded.

Mark Steele, and daughter Shayde, were arguably the happiest Bombers members of the morning, walking away with Grand Final tickets, two signed footballs, and a signed and framed Michael Long guernsey.

WA Recruit Travis Colyer

The total of WA players on field could become eight, dependent on a possible late call up of Michael Gardiner who has been recovering from a knee injury over the pre-season series.

Below are the WA players that will be lining up in the Grand Final. Their jersey numbers have been included to make it easier to follow them throughout the game.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

20 – Josh Hill

25 – Ryan Hargrave

Brennan Stack (18) was not named in the final team.

ST KILDA SAINTS

4 – Clinton Jones

45 – Luke Miles

30 – Brett Peake

22 – Farren Ray

39 – Alistair Smith

Nicholas Winmar (17) and Mark Hutchings (43) were not named in the final team.

Michael Gardiner (15) may be a late inclusion into the side.

The Bulldogs haven’t won a Grand Final of any kind for 40 years, their last victory being the pre-season trophy in 1970. Although the Doggies aren’t dwelling on the past, watch it be a strong motivation for their future.

St Kilda however, won the pre-season Grand Final just two years ago, and after last year’s premiership loss to Geelong, the Saints will be looking at starting 2010 off with a Grand Final win.

Both teams run and carry the ball exceptionally well, and are two of the most accurate teams in the AFL by hand and foot.

The Saints will go into the game as the favourites, but the Bulldogs will not go down without a fight.

With two Victorians teams playing for the 2010 AFL NAB Cup Silverware, let’s hope our local boys can make a great contribution regardless of whether they win or lose.

Prediction – St Kilda by 13 points.

David Wirrpanda (middle) accepts the 'Standing for Something' award from Elder Peter Meurs (left) and Elder Brent Nielsen (right).

Wirrpanda received the ‘John Simpson – Standing for Something’ award on Thursday night, an accolade dedicated to acknowledging individuals who display exemplary service and courage in their life.

In 2005, the David Wirrpanda Foundation was created to improve the quality of life for Indigenous youth through education, work opportunities, health and life skills development.

Since the establishment of the Foundation in Perth and Roebourne, a higher school attendance and more positive behaviours have been noted amongst Indigenous youth.

“Seeing these successes is the pinnacle of what I am trying to achieve”, Wirrpanda said.  “It overrides my passion for sport and footy”.

In 2008, Wirrpanda was named as one of the top 10 most influential Indigenous people in Australia. He won the WA Young Australian of the Year award in 2009 and has started 2010 being recognised for his unique work with youth.

Wirrpanda accepted the ‘Standing for Something’ award in front of more than 400 youth from the church, who were on a camp at Murdoch University, devoted to developing friendships, following their dreams and having the courage to stand strong.

“For myself, this would have to be one of the highest accolades I have ever achieved,” Wirrpanda told the youth, “It’s a real honour to be recognised like this”.

West Coast Eagles players have received this honour 43 times, with the first being awarded in 1987.

Here is a list of Eagles players who have received the honours of AFL Team of the Year or AFL All-Australian selection from 1987 until now…

1987    Ross Glendinning.

1988    John Worsfold.

1989    Guy McKenna.

1990    John Worsfold, Chris Lewis.

1991    Guy McKenna, Chris Mainwaring, Peter Matera, Craig Turley, Michael Malthouse (coach).

1992    Dean Kemp.

1993    Guy McKenna, Peter Matera.

1994    David Hart, Guy McKenna, Glen Jakovich, Peter Matera.

1995    Glen Jakovich.

1996    Peter Matera, Chris Mainwaring, Mitchell White.

1997    Peter Matera, Fraser Gehrig.

1998    Ashley McIntosh, Ben Cousins.

1999    Ben Cousins.

2000    Nil.

2001    Ben Cousins.

2002    Ben Cousins.

2003    Phil Matera, Michael Gardiner.

2004    Chris Judd, Chad Fletcher.

2005    Ben Cousins, David Wirrpanda, Dean Cox.

2006    Chris Judd, Ben Cousins, Dean Cox, Darren Glass.

2007    Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Daniel Kerr.

2008    Dean Cox.

2009    Nil.

Totals

6 – Ben Cousins.

5 – Peter Matera.

4 – Guy McKenna, Dean Cox.

2 – John Worsfold, Chris Mainwaring, Glen Jakovich, Chris Judd, Darren Glass.

1 – Ross Glendinning, Chris Lewis, Craig Turley, Michael Malthouse (coach), Dean Kemp, David Hart, Mitchell White, Fraser Gehrig, Ashley McIntosh, Phil Matera, Michael Gardiner, Chad Fletcher, David Wirrpanda, Daniel Kerr.

The Eagles will want to start the season strong, as they play six of the 2009 bottom eight sides in the first eight rounds. An undermanned Essendon, and a new look Lions squad are the other teams they meet early.

The hardest stretch of the season comes between rounds nine to 17, where eight out of nine games will see them face the 2009 top eight. However, with this being said, round 13 to 15 is the only time all season that they will face any of the top six teams back to back.

The final few rounds will see the Eagles end the season similar to how it begins, with over half of their games against last year’s lesser opponents.

Winning 10 games in 2009 proved enough to secure a top eight position, and if West Coast can win the games they should, with one or two upsets along the way, a finals berth is definitely possible for 2010.

So let’s all show our support this season and get behind our mighty West Coast Eagles…

Here is a list of what I believe are Carlton’s current top 22 players.

However, with the calibre of this years team, four emergency spots were also required.

Here it is…

BACKS
Bret Thornton

2009 was one of his best for the club. Despite Carlton missing two key defenders for most of the season, Thornton stood tall as a leader for the younger backmen. He also led the Blues in marks and rebound 50s.

Michael Jamison

The tall defender can play on opponents of any size. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury ruled Jamison out for the second half of the season, including the finals. Jamison is solid in defense, and can often out mark his opponents.

Paul Bower

Bower is a strong defender who finds most success against his bigger opponents. Smart around the football, Bower has no fear in running off his man and taking the game on. With the inclusions of team mates, Jarrad Waite and Michael Jamison back in the line-up for 2010, Bower completes the four talls in defense.

HALF BACKS
Heath Scotland

Coming into his 11^th season of AFL football, Scotland has shown consistency throughout much of his career. Playing off half back is the perfect position for him, as he is smart with the football and effective in his disposal. Playing amongst a tall backline, Scotland provides more speed out of defense.

Jarrad Waite

Arguably one of the most important players for the Blues, Waite spent most of 2009 on the sidelines with a knee injury. Despite Carlton missing some key defenders last season, they were still able to make the finals. With Waite running the backline again, solid defense will be imperative in helping combat the loss of primary forward target, Brendan Fevola.

Andrew Carrazzo
Even with a broken arm in the pre-season, Carrazzo pushed hard to play early in the season proper. A broken finger in round six saw him on the sidelines for several weeks, but he bounced back and performed strongly throughout the remaining rounds.

CENTRES
Kade Simpson

Simpson has played every game for the club over the past four seasons, and has become an integral part of the Blues line-up. He is quick, smart and not afraid to hit packs and fight for the football.

Marc Murphy

Murphy has proven his ability with the Blues from the start. He has represented Australia in the International Rules series, has come runner-up in the Blues best and fairest for the past two seasons and was voted the best first year player by both the AFLPA and Carlton. A consistent and talented performer in the midfield, Murphy has cemented his place in the Blues line-up.

Mitch Robinson

After a flying start to the season, Robinson found himself sidelined with a foot injury. His ferocious attack on the football found him spend some time in the midfield, and impress team mates and fans alike with his strong tackling and contested hard ball gets. A solid body who will soon prove to be an essential player in the middle.

HALF FORWARDS
Chris Yarran

First round draft pick in 2008, Yarran is an exciting young player with exception skills. Limited to only a handful of games in 2009, Yarran is an evasive goal sneak with freakish skills and abilities similar to that of retired Demons and Freo forward, Jeff Farmer.

Sam Jacobs

The Carlton tall has played only four games for the club, but has shown that he is versatile both in the ruck and as a key position forward. Injury forced Jacobs to the sidelines for most of the AFL season, restricting him to spend the rest of the time in the VFL.

Ryan Houlihan

A versatile player who can play out of defense, through the middle, or up forward. Houlihan is a beautiful kick of the football, often hitting the chest of the lead-up forward. He is calm under pressure, and has the ability to bring his team mates into the game.

FORWARDS

Jeffrey Garlett

Rookie listed Garlett was promoted into the Blues line-up for the first game of 2009. Fast and accurate around goals, he is particularly dangerous around spillages. Throughout the AFL, Garlett is one of the best tacklers inside the forward 50m, finishing second overall.

Lachlan Henderson

A first round draft pick for the Lions in 2007, Henderson came to the Blues as a part of the Brendan Fevola trade. A strong forward, Henderson found himself regularly playing in defense at Brisbane. With the opportunity to spend more time in attack at Carlton, watch for Henderson to be the go-to-guy deep in the forward 50m.

Eddie Betts

Picked up in the 2005 Pre-season Draft, Betts has proven to be one of the Blues most effective forward pockets. Although Betts spent some time in the middle in 2009, he was still influential around goal, averaging almost two a game.

RUCKS

Matthew Kreuzer

Carlton’s number third consecutive number one draft pick, Kreuzer settled nicely into the number one ruck position in 2009. Able to push forward and kick goals, Kreuzer is a future star for the Blues. He is agile, strong in the air, and will put in second and thirds efforts to the advantage of his team mates.

Chris Judd

Is there anything Chris Judd hasn’t achieved in AFL football? Premiership – check, Brownlow Medal – check, Club Captain – check, All Australian Captain – check, Club Best and Fairest Awards – check, Represented Australia – check, Represented Victoria – check… and the list continues. On these achievements alone, there can be no doubt that Judd is listed as one of Carlton’s top 22. players.

Bryce Gibbs

A strong contributor to the Blues midfield. Gibbs led his club in disposals and kicks in 2009. He also finished second in tackles, handballs and inside 50s, and third in marks, rebound 50s and the clubs best and fairest. Gibbs has become a key element in the Blues midfield.

INTERCHANGE

Jordan Russell

Russell provides great run out of defense for the Blues. His endurance, run and carry is exceptional, and can hit a team mate on the chest. Russell finished sixth in Carlton’s best and fairest in 2009.

Shaun Grigg

Hamstring and ankle injuries saw Grigg miss over half the season in 2009. He is attacking out of defense and through the middle, and uses the ball accurately by both hand and foot.

Brock McLean

Although McLean was a consistent performer for the Demons, he still has to prove he has what it takes to run with the already established Blues midfield.

Richard Hadley

Former Lions premiership player, Hadley has had a lot of injury problems since coming to the Blues. He is courageous over the football and works hard all over the ground.

EMERGENCIES

Aaron Joseph

Joseph often receives somewhat of a tagging role in the midfield. He is tough and determined to win the football at every opportunity. Not afraid to put his body over the ball and tackle those who stand in his way. Joseph was only listed as an emergency in this top 22, due to the caliber of his other team mates.

Brad Fisher

Fisher is a tall forward with great endurance and a strong over head mark. Kicking accuracy needs some improving, but Fisher will be one of the players to watch out for this season.

Shaun Hampson

Hampson is a former soccer player and is very quick around the ground for a big man. The ruckman has a great leap and will become even more dangerous around the ground as his marking and disposals improve.

Simon Wiggins

In his 10^th season with Carlton, Wiggins has proved himself as a true clubman. Succumbed to injury midseason in 2009, before returning just before the finals series. Strong mark and a solid competitor, Wiggins is a real team player.