Present-day members of the Carlton club were taken back nearly sixty years ago on Saturday night, when a reunion of former players was held in the club's pavilion. Over two hundred were present, whose services as players ranged from 1877 to 1934. it was a merry night, and the reminiscences of the "old stagers" when they reverted back to the games played from fifteen to sixty years ago were decidedly interesting. Many of them were members of the Carlton team when the matches took place in the open park.

Mr. D. Crone, president, welcomed the guests. He said they must consider themselves to have "come back home." If they did not put the spirit of Carlton into the gathering they would only have themselves to blame. "You belonged to us," said Mr. Crone, "and we consider you still belong to us. For that reason we heartily welcome you." (Applause.) Mr. Crone added that he had received a letter from Abe Shearwood, who was unable to attend through illness. Shearwood said he had played in the first match that took place on the oval. He was then opposed to Carlton, but joined the club in 1883, and his team mates included Harry Wilson, Jack Baker, Sam Bloomfield, Dick Frayne (who was captain), Frank Conway, and Tim Maloney.
John Melville 1.jpg
The oldest player present was Jack Melville (now secretary of the local cricket club), who played from 1877 to 1887. He was closely followed by George Bragge and A. Fitzgerald both from the 1879 - 1887 period. A McKenzie.jpg A famous exponent of the game who was warmly welcomed was Dookie McKenzie, who gave valuable service to the club. Jim Russ was the oldest captain present. He led the team in 1886. In those days, he said, the game was exceedingly strenuous, but scrupuiously fair. If the game today was played in the same spirit, and ankle kicking, the use of the knee and the elbow was cut out, it would be the most spectacular game in the world. Peter Williams was captain in 1888. He admitted that he was not a speaker, but he could say, "Thank God, I always played the game." Then came the leaders of the comparatively recent years:-- Jack Wells (1912 13). Alf Baud, Paddy O'Brien, Horry Clover and Ray Brew. The latter urged all former players to work for the success of the old club and to give present-day players the advantage of their experience. Vin Gardiner, son of the late Alderman Gardiner, former captain and coach, was present. A. Johnson, this season's captain was also present.Ray Brew.

The oldest official at the gathering was Mr. A. Shaw, who was president from 1885 to 1891. He was one of the first trustees of the Carlton ground, and a founder of the League. For some years he was chairman of the League laws committee, and is now a life member.

Another former president who attended was Mr. D. Bell chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works. Mr. D. Duff, a vice president in 1878, was also welcomed, as was J. Joyce, now of the Collingwood club.

Mr. Crone, the president, donated a trophy for presentation to the oldest living player in the room. This was handed to Jack Melville, who, as stated, first played in 1877. Afterwards he was three times secretary of the club.

Acknowledging the gift, Mr. Melville said, that though for many years he had been intimately associated with cricket, he had never lost interest in the football club. Contrasting the cost of managing a football club of today as compared with years gone by, he mentioned that in one year when he was secretary the expenditure of the Carlton club was £30. Each player for that year received 2/6 per match for expenses.

An enjoyable programme of vocal and instrumental music was arranged, and a boxing exhibition staged.

Footnotes
1) Blueseum research indicates that Jim Russ was not a captain of the senior Carlton team, he may have captained Carlton in a exhibition match, or was a Second Twenty captain.
2) The article also mentions that the 1934 captain is A. Johnson, a misprint, as Maurie Johnson was that year's captain.
3) £30 = $60, 2/6 = 25c.

Season 1934