5 greatest players in Carlton Blues history
Carlton Blues were the inaugural members of the breakaway VFL and are equal with Essendon and Collingwood for the most premierships won — 16. They were the first premiership team to win three in a row.
They've struggled in recent years despite their rich history. The last time they won the premiership was in the 1995 season and since then, they have been Wooden Spoon winners five times. Their rich history details the passage of many AFL greats through their ranks. This article lists the five greatest players who have worn the Blues’ guernsey.
5 greatest players in Carlton Blues history
#5 Stephen Silvagni
Stephen Silvagni was drafted under the father-son rule in 1985. His father Sergio Silvagni was also a Carlton great. Stephen was regarded as one of the finest fullbacks and the greatest to put on the blue. His most memorable game remains the 1995 grand final when he kept Geelong's Gary Ablett Sr goalless for the entire game.
He was also known for his high marks. He was part of Carlton Blues' 1987 and 1995 premiership teams. He was selected for the All-Australian team five times and was Carlton's Best and Fairest twice. He was inducted into the Carlton Hall of Fame in 1996 and upgraded to legend status in 1997. He retired in 2001 and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
#4 Bruce Doull
Bruce Doull joined the Carlton Blues in 1969. He was nicknamed the ‘Flying Doormat’ because of his hairstyle. He was noted for his determination to play the ball rather than the man, which was a rarity in the era he played.
He won the VFL premiership player four times: in 1972, 1979, 1981, and 1982. He made the All-Australian team in 1979 and was the Norm Smith medalist in 1981. He won the best and fairest award in 1974, 1977, 1980, and 1984.
Doull is a member of the Australian Football League Team of the Century and the Carlton Team of the Century; 1897-1996.
He retired in 1986 after 356 games – then a club record – and holds the current club record for most consecutive games played — 162 matches played between 1971 and 1978.
#3 Alex Jesaulenko
Alex Jesaulenko was known for his balance, versatility, and ability to take spectacular marks. He is most known for the most iconic mark in football history in the 1970 VFL Grand Final against rivals Collingwood. He remains the only Carlton footballer to have kicked 100 or more goals in a season. He was the leading scorer in 1969, 1970, and 1971.
He won the premiership four times: 1968,1970, 1972, and 1979. He made the All-Australian team twice: in 1969 and 1972. He was Carlton's Best and Fairest in 1979 and was club between 1974–76 and 1978–79. He left Carlton in 1979 for St Kilda and retired in 1981.
He is a member of the Carlton Blues and AFL Team of the Century. He was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996 and received Legend status in 2008.
#2 Stephen Kernahan
Stephen Kernahan joined Carlton Blues in 1986 and became captain in his second season. He was the captain for 11 years until his retirement. His 226 games as captain was a VFL/AFL record for any club at the time. He was the club's goalkicking record holder with 738 goals.
Kernahan was the leading goalkicker for 11 consecutive seasons from 1986-1996. He won two premierships with the club in 1987 and 1995 and made the All-Australian teams in 1992 and 1994. He was Best and Fairest thrice: 1987, 1989, and 1992. He was the captain of the Carlton's Team of the Century.
#1 John Nicholls
John Nicholls joined Carlton in 1957 and was the first player to cross the 300-game milestone. He was a ruck whose rivalry with Polly Farmer raised the standard for rucks in Australian footy. He won the Best and Fairest award that was renamed after him five times: 1959, 1963, 1965, 1966, and 1967.
He won three premierships with the blues: in 1968, 1970, and 1972. He made the All-Australian team twice: 1966 and 1969. He is a member of the Carlton Blues and AFL Team of the Century. He retired in 1974 after 328 games.