Wickzki
Definitely Sam MacLure.
- Oct 1, 2010
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Have you ever had one of those moments where you know something isn't right with the force and can kinda guess what it is before you truly know? Chris's injury was one of those moments. I was sitting in our empty house (our moving truck didn't arrive until yesterday) in Brisbane awaiting my partner and her father to finish their massive drive up here (I had to get the keys on Friday morning) and loosely following the scores on my mobile phone. I was overcome with an uneasy feeling that quickly turned to sadness. I'd just spoken to my partner so I knew they were okay. The only other thing really going on was Carlton. So I knew it was related to that. Sure enough a few moments later up pops the devastating news. I can't remember the last time I sat down and just cried and wept like a baby.
Chris Judd, you were a wonderful player but more so you're one of the greatest leaders through action and through your sheer and utter determination that I have personally ever seen. I'll always remember the story that Sticks Kernahan told us, Carlton's loyal and faithful, at the pub in Brisbane's CBD prior to the 2009 final. That on your first day as a Blue, almost immediately after signing and the ink not having yet dried, you went to lunch with Sticks and a couple of your new teammates. You were disgusted when you found them eating hot chips with their lunch and without a second thought you told them in no uncertain words exactly what you felt about that.
It's now a little over six and a half years later and while the club hasn't put into action nearly half of what you tried to teach it there are players at the club now in the form of Patrick Cripps, Sam Docherty and others who are ready, willing and able to take their place in building the future of this club's history. They have learned much from you in their short time with you. They will continue to learn from you as your influence remains at the Carlton Football Club. You may not have won a premiership but mark my words these kids will by the time their careers are over. What you need to understand is that when they do achieve the ultimate team success you will own a part of that glory whether you're a past champion of the club or an official in whatever capacity.
Life has just begun for you Chris and while it's true that life can just as suddenly end as it starts I am certain that you have many, many successes and glories in your future. Enjoy spending time with your beautiful family and enjoy pouring your passions into whatever your future may bring.
Chris Judd, you were a wonderful player but more so you're one of the greatest leaders through action and through your sheer and utter determination that I have personally ever seen. I'll always remember the story that Sticks Kernahan told us, Carlton's loyal and faithful, at the pub in Brisbane's CBD prior to the 2009 final. That on your first day as a Blue, almost immediately after signing and the ink not having yet dried, you went to lunch with Sticks and a couple of your new teammates. You were disgusted when you found them eating hot chips with their lunch and without a second thought you told them in no uncertain words exactly what you felt about that.
It's now a little over six and a half years later and while the club hasn't put into action nearly half of what you tried to teach it there are players at the club now in the form of Patrick Cripps, Sam Docherty and others who are ready, willing and able to take their place in building the future of this club's history. They have learned much from you in their short time with you. They will continue to learn from you as your influence remains at the Carlton Football Club. You may not have won a premiership but mark my words these kids will by the time their careers are over. What you need to understand is that when they do achieve the ultimate team success you will own a part of that glory whether you're a past champion of the club or an official in whatever capacity.
Life has just begun for you Chris and while it's true that life can just as suddenly end as it starts I am certain that you have many, many successes and glories in your future. Enjoy spending time with your beautiful family and enjoy pouring your passions into whatever your future may bring.
