Blues politics and stereotypes are wearing thin!

[The Old Dark Navy's]

I have been a Blues supporter for 22 seasons now. I don't give a fat rat's for their political connections. I haven't voted for their connections once. In fact, if any Carlton past player or official stands for another party, I applaud them.

We are not all bluebloods, far from it. I for one do not expect success. After 1995 I announced that I could live off that victory for years and I have.

I am fanatical about my club but if we can't be there that last Saturday in September, I like nothing better than to go for the underdog. St Kilda and Swans in recent times for example.

Admittedly, our political connections have kept the club cashed-up and probably ensured we got Jezza to play for once in the first place. A nice little transfer from Canberra to Melbourne in his Commonwealth Public Service job was very convenient. I don't want to accept the positives from Big Jack and bag him out for the endless negatives but the opinions expressed by management are not necessarily those shared by devoted followers.

I follow Carlton regardless of money or status because I was inspired by the likes of Jezza, Doull, Wayne Johnston and the sheer magic of the mosquito fleet era. Those days might be gone but you stay fiercely loyal to your club through good and bad and sooner or later you will be rewarded.

There are an awful lot of supporters out there who just don't fit the image they are given.

SHOW YOURSELVES.

 

[Dan26]

You won;t find many here on bigfooty.

Just like in real life, there are not as many Blues supporters here on bigfooty, as you would like to think.

Just like when you played in front of the smalest H%A crowd of the season (in Round 6), not counting Roos games in Sydney, Blues supporters have shown to be arrogant frontrunners. 12,000 against Port at Optus Oval is a disgrace for a club that "allegedly has a big following", 25,000 members is pathetic for a club of Carltons standing.

Most Carlton people support the club because of past success and when they are uncompetitive (not very often), the supporters jump off in droves.

My theory is they have a very UN-MARKETABLE nickname and jumper. If you were a young 9 year old, choosing a team, would you barrack for a team called the Tigers or Bombers, or would you barrack for a team called the Blues, that wears one boring colour. Think about it. Carlton are not "cool" to barrack for. Young kids don't usually start barracking for Carlton, unless their parents do.

Carlton supporters like you are a rarity. You're good. Most can't handle the fact that another club DARE to threaten their premiership record.

Carlton supporters are very dismissive of the other teams and, pathetically, are not very parochial. Of the teams in Victoria, Carlton would have the least "passion" amongst their supporters, probably due to the fact the the supporter base only barracks for them if they win.

Carlton disgust me. Sorry, but I cant stand their supporters. I'd love to see them have an era like Collingowod are currently having and we will see how loyal Carlton suporters really are. They wouldn't even come close to the support Collingwood has given their team over the last 6 years.

 

[geelong4eva]

you disgust me Dan24 cause you look like shit and reek of it too.

 

[The Dutchman!]

Old Dark Navy dude

Very pleased to respect and agree with your opinion. Not all Carlton supporter are stupid, arrogant, born-to-rule w***ers. Trouble is an awful lot are - and unfortunately your Prez just essasabates (sp?)this stereotype.

Don't worry, we bombers have gotten a fair few of our own like this since we started winnign again in 84...

I know this is going to sound weird but opposition supporters I have the most respect for are those who follow (in this order) Geelong (excluding G4E obviously), Collingwood, Footscray and to a lesser extent the Roos - for obvious reasons in each case.

I'm afraid the Blues along with the Crows, Eagles (proof comign next year) and to some extent the Tigers have a tendency to be frontrunners - and that's just kinda sad.

Incidently, I think we were the 1st or 2nd best attended club in 97, the year we finished 14th... the other (1st or 2nd) was Collingwood.... nuff said

 

[Sticks]

Agree with your thoughts ODNB and admire your loyalty..Carlton supporters are not front runners and either is the club..beating Essendon by one point in a semi final the bombers couldnt lose shows what a proud club Carlton are and have the distinction of never finishing last.John Elliott has been a disaster with his PR work and is nothing but a corporate criminal who brings shame to what is otherwise a well run club.
Losing Steven Gough was a huge blow..he had Elliott under control and only let him off the leash when needed..the new CEO is just a puppet of Elliott's and was a poor choice.
I dont buy the theory of boring jumper and kids wont barrack for the club..go down to your local auskick and you will see plenty of blues jumpers..sure there are more kids wearing bombers and pies gear
but Carlton are well represented...with No 43
being a very popular choice.Football goes in cycles and at the moment its Essendons turn...but anyone with some football brain would know that Carlton are never far away from a flag and its just a matter of time before Elliott is replaced and some decent leadership will have Carlton back up on top.

 

[CJH]

Dutchman,

It is fair to say that the past 20 years have not been Richmond's finest. It is no secret that about 10 years ago we only had about 4000 members. It is no secret that we nearly went to the wall then. It is also fair to say that this frightened the shit out of us all.

Since the early 90's we have risen to a level of consistent mediocrity (this is nothing to crow about but it is a damn sight better than consistent cellar dwelling). It has been a frustrating period with only the one finals appearance as well as 4 agonising near misses.

Despite all this, Richmond's membership has been of the same order as the Essendon / Collingwood / Carlton. Richmond is still a club with a massive following with consistently high attendance figures.

Dan24 puts it to Carlton that if they had a bleak run like Collingwood is experiencing, that their support would wane.

I contend that Richmond has experienced a bleak run and our membership / following has remained strong.

I therefore reject your assertion that Richmond are frontrunners.

The defence rests!

------------------
This is a hallucination and these faces are in a dream. A computer generated environment; a fantasy island you can do anything and not have to face the consequences.

[This message has been edited by CJH (edited 10 November 2000).]

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Thanks for the support Sticks. Get yourself registered and keep tuning in. God knows the Blues need the presence in here.

Dan, you make some interesting points and I agree there are some moronic Carlton supporters out there. Just because you support a particular team doesn't make you a great person. Essendon and Collingwood have more than their fair share as well. You know, as a Carlton fan, I expect a huge amount of shit to be thrown in my direction. It happens no matter how well behaved or conservative I might act. We are a target. People love to hate us because of the clubs image. People love to hate Collingwood or the Crows because of their supporters. Did you hate Fitzroy supporters because they chose to stay away from the games when they needed support the most. You probably felt sorry for them. People assume we are arrogant so when we struggle we cop so much from the opposition supporters. If Essendon or Collingwood struggle their supporters will keep on making bold statements. They have more of a brotherhood thing going for them. They have become working class champions and nobody lays too much crap on them because of that. If Carlton supporters makes a statement that doesn't come off, we'll never hear the end of it. Guarantee they'll be a 100000 jackets getting waved at us mext game. No, the perception of arrogance is larger than the actual arrogance.

Example: Blues vs Lions - Gabba this year. The Blues were on fire, flogging Brisbane all over the place. The fans were in full cry. Then Brisbane had that 3rd quarter and were all over us. God, didn't we shrink down in our seats then. We knew what we were in for if the unthinkable happened. Even the relatively polite Brisbane crowd just love ramming our words back down our throats. In the 1999 Final up here, I was sung out of the ground with two minutes to go. Nah, nah, nah, nah hey, hey, hey, goodbye. Every thing we do is magnified ten times in the feedback. I guess more clubs hate us than each other.

We have struggled for many years in history and have risen above it. We didn't lose true supporters then and we nver will. Richmond supporters are among the most fickle as well. None of the clubs have quite the Working class religious fervor as the Bombers and the Magpies.

Initially I agree kids might not relate to the Blues as a name. Then when they start playing and understanding the game, that matters little. The history of the club, players such as Kouta and the fantastic record we have for keeping our players happy (save for the Hamill aberration) will weigh heavily in our favour.

Dan, you have already admitted I am not the typical example of your idea of a Blues supporter, law of averages says there are others. You can't generalise anymore.

btw What's with the G4E rivalry. Enlighten me.

 

[Dan26]

Originally posted by The Old Dark Navy's:
Thanks for the support Sticks. Get yourself registered and keep tuning in. God knows the Blues need the presence in here.

Dan, you make some interesting points and I agree there are some moronic Carlton supporters out there. Just because you support a particular team doesn't make you a great person. Essendon and Collingwood have more than their fair share as well. You know, as a Carlton fan, I expect a huge amount of shit to be thrown in my direction. It happens no matter how well behaved or conservative I might act. We are a target. People love to hate us because of the clubs image. People love to hate Collingwood or the Crows because of their supporters. Did you hate Fitzroy supporters because they chose to stay away from the games when they needed support the most. You probably felt sorry for them. People assume we are arrogant so when we struggle we cop so much from the opposition supporters. If Essendon or Collingwood struggle their supporters will keep on making bold statements. They have more of a brotherhood thing going for them. They have become working class champions and nobody lays too much crap on them because of that. If Carlton supporters makes a statement that doesn't come off, we'll never hear the end of it. Guarantee they'll be a 100000 jackets getting waved at us mext game. No, the perception of arrogance is larger than the actual arrogance.

Example: Blues vs Lions - Gabba this year. The Blues were on fire, flogging Brisbane all over the place. The fans were in full cry. Then Brisbane had that 3rd quarter and were all over us. God, didn't we shrink down in our seats then. We knew what we were in for if the unthinkable happened. Even the relatively polite Brisbane crowd just love ramming our words back down our throats. In the 1999 Final up here, I was sung out of the ground with two minutes to go. Nah, nah, nah, nah hey, hey, hey, goodbye. Every thing we do is magnified ten times in the feedback. I guess more clubs hate us than each other.

We have struggled for many years in history and have risen above it. We didn't lose true supporters then and we nver will. Richmond supporters are among the most fickle as well. None of the clubs have quite the Working class religious fervor as the Bombers and the Magpies.

Initially I agree kids might not relate to the Blues as a name. Then when they start playing and understanding the game, that matters little. The history of the club, players such as Kouta and the fantastic record we have for keeping our players happy (save for the Hamill aberration) will weigh heavily in our favour.

Dan, you have already admitted I am not the typical example of your idea of a Blues supporter, law of averages says there are others. You can't generalise anymore.

btw What's with the G4E rivalry. Enlighten me.

I'd just like to quickly comment on something a few people have said about Richmond suporters. Apparently they are fronrunners. This is a "perception" about Richmond which is innacurate, I believe. Richmond have missed the finals 5 years in a row, yet despite this, they have consistenty averaged about 800,000 people per year to their matches. Frontrunners ? I don't think so. Sure they struggled to get big crowds when they consistently had about 5 wins every year for 10 years, but which club wouldn't struggle ? Even Collingwood in recent years aren't as bad as the Tigers a decade ago, when it comes to consistent mediocrity.

DUTCHMAN,

You say you don't respect Adelaide supporters, calling them frontrunners. Crows fans, pack out footy park every week whether they win or lose. They are also among the loudest supporters at their games and are prepared to travel to suport their team. They made a hell of a noise at all 9 of their Melbourne finals matches since they started making the finals in 1993. In terms of pure loyalty, it's hard to go past Crows barrackers.

ODNB,

The rivalry with G4E, basically stems around the immature, idiotic, and provocative nature of his posts, mostly with the aim of stirring up Essendon supporters, who he has a personal dislike for, due to jealousy.

 

[CJH]

Thanks Dan,

I can argue all I wish about Richmond having a loyal supporter base but my argument is always diminished because of my natural bias.

It is pleasing to see an independant observer make the same point.

------------------
This is a hallucination and these faces are in a dream. A computer generated environment; a fantasy island you can do anything and not have to face the consequences.

 

[Bee]

Originally posted by Dan24:
You won;t find many here on bigfooty.

Just like in real life, there are not as many Blues supporters here on bigfooty, as you would like to think.

Just like when you played in front of the smalest H%A crowd of the season (in Round 6), not counting Roos games in Sydney, Blues supporters have shown to be arrogant frontrunners. 12,000 against Port at Optus Oval is a disgrace for a club that "allegedly has a big following", 25,000 members is pathetic for a club of Carltons standing.

Most Carlton people support the club because of past success and when they are uncompetitive (not very often), the supporters jump off in droves.

My theory is they have a very UN-MARKETABLE nickname and jumper. If you were a young 9 year old, choosing a team, would you barrack for a team called the Tigers or Bombers, or would you barrack for a team called the Blues, that wears one boring colour. Think about it. Carlton are not "cool" to barrack for. Young kids don't usually start barracking for Carlton, unless their parents do.

Carlton supporters like you are a rarity. You're good. Most can't handle the fact that another club DARE to threaten their premiership record.

Carlton supporters are very dismissive of the other teams and, pathetically, are not very parochial. Of the teams in Victoria, Carlton would have the least "passion" amongst their supporters, probably due to the fact the the supporter base only barracks for them if they win.

Carlton disgust me. Sorry, but I cant stand their supporters. I'd love to see them have an era like Collingowod are currently having and we will see how loyal Carlton suporters really are. They wouldn't even come close to the support Collingwood has given their team over the last 6 years.

Dan24,
You may not like to hear this because as a typical Essendon supporter you seem to think that you and your team are perfect. Carlton don't give a rat's arse what you lot think about them. Suddenly you are up there with Carlton and you think you know it all. Think again because you don't! And don't you even dare presume to try and tell me Carlton supporters only support the team when they are winning. I have been a Carlton supporter all my life and have stuck with them through good and bad. Unlike you lot of jump on the bandwagon idiots. Take a good, long look in the mirror. You talk crap!

 

[Shinboners]

As much as I hate to stick up for the Blues, but if you take the big 4 Victorian clubs as Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, and Richmond (I find the Doggies, Cats, and Dees fans the best to talk to), the fans I have the biggest amount of respect for are the Blues fans. The Blues fans know their football and they're just as happy to chat about their opposition as they are about their own club. Keeping in mind that plenty of the Essendon people here are top blokes and know their footy as well as anyone else, I can't remember the last time I saw an Essendon game and had a decent general footy chat to an Essendon fan (well, one that was a stranger)....it's just red and black only and no opposition player would even make their squad, let alone their best 22. Arrogance is one thing, but a few of these people seem to really believe the shite that comes out of their mouths.

Be that as it may, I still hate Carlton more than I hate Essendon.

 

[Bumble]

Shinners please!! Carey would make a great Essendon runner.

 

[Bee]

Originally posted by Shinboners:
As much as I hate to stick up for the Blues, but if you take the big 4 Victorian clubs as Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, and Richmond (I find the Doggies, Cats, and Dees fans the best to talk to), the fans I have the biggest amount of respect for are the Blues fans. The Blues fans know their football and they're just as happy to chat about their opposition as they are about their own club. Keeping in mind that plenty of the Essendon people here are top blokes and know their footy as well as anyone else, I can't remember the last time I saw an Essendon game and had a decent general footy chat to an Essendon fan (well, one that was a stranger)....it's just red and black only and no opposition player would even make their squad, let alone their best 22. Arrogance is one thing, but a few of these people seem to really believe the shite that comes out of their mouths.

Be that as it may, I still hate Carlton more than I hate Essendon.

That's okay Shinners. I accept the fact that people hate Carlton. It's just the crap that Essendon speak that gets me fired up.

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The Blues. The Best in the business.

 

[krystin01]

I understand how some people think Carlton supporters are arrogent. But so are other people. I've been sort of hesitant to post on this board, as if you say one wrong thing, that one person doesn't agree with you on, people will start pointless name calling, as if its meant to offend you, but how people can say that Carlton are the most arrogent supporters is beyond me. As I left the MCG with my dad and brother on Preliminary Final Day 2000, we were getting all kinds of things thrown at us, like food, and of course, verbal things, and I'm only 15 and my brother is only about 12... Essendon fans are DEFINITELY, WITHOUT A DOUBT IN MY MIND, the most ARROGENT fans out there.
Im not trying to start a war of words or anything here, cos I don't really care less what the Essendon fans have to say, but take a look at yourselves before pointing the fingers at others.

 

[Bee]

Hey Kristin,
Don't be afraid to post on here. God knows we need all the Carlton supporters we can get. Stick around, kid.

We've got to show those Essendon fans what real arrogance is all about.

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The Blues. The Best in the business.

 

[Bernie]

Blues comrades,

Don't worry about the 'moral integrity' of the Bombers fans - just remind them of the DAY OF SHAME... the day they collectively booed their ex-favourite son and premiership player Paul Salmon from the ground and out of the club.

All the numbers in the world will not expunge that memory - shabby and shallow.

 

[Eagle_Fan]

Max- you agree that not all Blues fans fit the streotype? Not all Eagles fans do either. Please believe me. I hate the way we are portrayed, and hope that the next couple of years do drive away the corporates that give us a bad name. (Your proof I assume?) But there is a strong core of loyal supporters who realise the next few years will be tough, and remember the success of the early 90's, rather than relive and then expect it.

ODNB; good onya! Now you've just got to tell Elliot.

Bee; you insist that Essendon fans are the arrogant overconfident ones, and the Blues fans are not at all, but what's your signature?

 

[Bee]

Originally posted by Eagle_Fan:
Max- you agree that not all Blues fans fit the streotype? Not all Eagles fans do either. Please believe me. I hate the way we are portrayed, and hope that the next couple of years do drive away the corporates that give us a bad name. (Your proof I assume?) But there is a strong core of loyal supporters who realise the next few years will be tough, and remember the success of the early 90's, rather than relive and then expect it.

ODNB; good onya! Now you've just got to tell Elliot.

Bee; you insist that Essendon fans are the arrogant overconfident ones, and the Blues fans are not at all, but what's your signature?

That's not what I have said. If you had read my previous posts (under my original tag) you would know I have always maintained that Carlton supporters are arrogant and bloody good at it too. What I have said is Essendon are amateurs and do not yet know the "art" of true arrogance. They still have a lot to learn. BTW my signature is a Carlton football club signature. It is not exclusively mine. Like I said. True arrogance has an art to it.

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The Blues. The Best in the business.

 

[Bluey]

Well we've seen a fair number of Blues fans pop out of the woodwork here. I count about half a dozen - do you guys want a board for Carlton here on BigFooty.com? E-mail bluey@bigfooty.com asking for one, and if I get at least six requests I'll put one up.

 

[Dan26]

Bee, when I say Essendon are great, I am normally baiting and stirring up Carlscum scum. I don't think arrogance - if we are going to be totally serious - is a very desirable quality.

Australia's greatest ever sportsman, Don Bradman, once said : "Arrogance in sport is tolerated, but never admired"

I might seem arrogant, but I am usually joking and stirring the pot, as most people would realise.

Carlton are arrogant, and that, little girl, is nothing to be proud of. Similar to Bradman, I tolerate the arrogance of Carlton, but do not admire it one little bit.

I just let the 16 premieships we have speak for themselves. I don't need to "claim" arrogance like Carlton, in order to fulfill my little desires.

----------------------------------------

The Blues - the second best in the business

[This message has been edited by Dan24 (edited 13 November 2000).]

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

What a relief! I was beginning to think I was in the twilight zone when I couldn't find other Blues supporters.

Keep writing Krystin. good to meet you Bee, Bernie and Sticks I've mentioned before.

I suggest we follow Bluey's advice and email asking for our own board. Restore some balance in the universe.

I am proud to be a Carlton fan, through thick and thin. They have already done enough to deserve my support until the day I die regardless of what the future holds. I will stay away from the most arrogant bragging rights however as I would prefer to be heard and taken seriously by other supporters. After all, we are all in this together and we need each other good and bad otherwise this wouldn't be the greatest game of all!!!

 

[The Cartman]

Dan24, If you think that arrogance isn't a desirable quality, then when are you going to apologise to all the people that you've abused on this board?

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

btw Thanks Dan

second best is quite a compliment from you!!!

 

[Kobe]

No problems ODN..glad to be on board and now registered..well done to the other blue supporters for firing up and not letting the team down.
Always gladdens my heart to hear essendon supporters hate us the most..you know why?
because they know Carlton will keep coming at them the hardest, we are their greatest challenge, the greatest fear they have is Carlton winning another flag...its a nightmare and scary..Dan24 has already broken out in a sweat..cuddle up next to your
James Hird doll Dan..were coming to get ya

 

[KOUTAISABIGPOOF]

OOOOOO Carlscum are coming!! How scary.
NOT
Whitnall falling on me NOW that is scary.