Universal Love Down Memory Lane

[TheCoach16]

this was ultimately part of rex hunts downfall - he'd rather let it be known how excited he was by his screaming, blustering stupidity than let people know what was actually/accurately happening

And it will Brian Taylor’s...

So close to pressing report button for Ashman listed an emergency.
I will let it slide, but...

You would’ve been completely justified in reporting me. I battled with that one for a while. I just couldn’t put him ahead of the mids I had in...

Judd as captain?

Think Kernahan should get the nod over him.

Fair point. But, and it’s just my opinion, I think Judd is the greatest footballer ever to play for the Blues (KOUTA a close second) And if I’m picking my greatest ever team, he’s my captain.

 

[gab213]

And it will Brian Taylor’s...


You would’ve been completely justified in reporting me. I battled with that one for a while. I just couldn’t put him ahead of the mids I had in...


Fair point. But, and it’s just my opinion, I think Judd is the greatest footballer ever to play for the Blues (KOUTA a close second) And if I’m picking my greatest ever team, he’s my captain.

We have had so many great players but for mine Jezza was the best by a country mile. Excelled in so many positions on the ground, a century goalkicker, one of the great attacking half backs and great as a midfielder too. He was a freak and was consistently good over a long period of time.

As far as captains go I'd have Kernahan and Nicholls up there before anyone else.

 

[Tony Lynn 15]

We have had so many great players but for mine Jezza was the best by a country mile. Excelled in so many positions on the ground, a century goalkicker, one of the great attacking half backs and great as a midfielder too. He was a freak and was consistently good over a long period of time.

As far as captains go I'd have Kernahan and Nicholls up there before anyone else.

Sticks was the greatest leader I have seen at the club.

 

[TheCoach16]

We have had so many great players but for mine Jezza was the best by a country mile. Excelled in so many positions on the ground, a century goalkicker, one of the great attacking half backs and great as a midfielder too. He was a freak and was consistently good over a long period of time.

As far as captains go I'd have Kernahan and Nicholls up there before anyone else.

I think you’re spot on. Jezza is arguably the best Carlton player ever. But I think Judd is the best player to have ever played for Carlton. There’s a difference, and it depends what angle you choose to approach it from.
For example, I wouldn’t know who the greatest ever Collingwood player is. But I’m almost certain the greatest player to play for Collingwood was Dermott Breteton.

 

[Robbo's my hero]

Loved the White Russian. Freakish and reliable which is an unusual combination. I loved the way Jezza hoovered around the bouncing ball. I swear that, even bent over, he ran past defenders to pick up the ball. Many memories of his unique talent. Kicked 115 in 1970. Finished 3rd in the Brownlow in his first year. Won his only B & F playing off the half back flank.

I remember Jezza and Wallsy taking us for a training run on the oval outside of Princes Park in 74/75? I don’t know what it meant to the other guys but I was awestruck to be so close. In one session Wallsy taught me how to successfully smother a kick without coming off second best. The elation of that session as we headed for the showers. Jezza paid us a surprise visit with a cold bucket of water. A bit of fun. A fantastic memory.

 

[Foxy1302]

I think you’re spot on. Jezza is arguably the best Carlton player ever. But I think Judd is the best player to have ever played for Carlton. There’s a difference, and it depends what angle you choose to approach it from.
For example, I wouldn’t know who the greatest ever Collingwood player is. But I’m almost certain the greatest player to play for Collingwood was Dermott Breteton.

Judd may not have started out with the blues, but he was all in once he arrived and still contributing now. I would have him in my list of great Carlton players.

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[Robbo's my hero]

For Jezza

 

[HBF]

there

How was the coffee that day?

 

[HBF]

Big Nick would have won multiple Brownlow Medals in his day if the umpires didn't focus as much on the 'fairest' component of the award. To see players like Dipper, Diesel & Libba subsequently win the Brownlow is a massive slap in the face for Big Nick.

Never got to see Big Nick play. How good was he?

 

[mediumsizered]

Never got to see Big Nick play. How good was he?

To give some perspective, & this was before my memories of him started, he had 36 disposals in a game in 1965. 55 hitouts in a game in 1966. This was a time when stats numbers were quite a bit lower than they are nowadays.

The thing that always stood out for me was his quick thought processes. Whether it be a quick handball to advantage or tap on to a teammate's advantage. Of course his ruckwork was superb. He always knew where his teammates were. None of this tapping the ball to ground & hoping a teammate pounced on it.

His mobility was also top notch for a bloke who was built like a brick outhouse, with thighs like tree trunks. Those who didn't know his game would get caught out if they thought he couldn't get away from them. When he rested forward, he was as dangerous as any permanent forward. He regularly outmarked his opponent, whether in front, or caught behind, consistently reading the flight of the ball better. His goalkicking, using the flat punt, was so reliable. He converted at 62% in an era during which kicking on goal was at times a lottery.

Although his size would see him considered too small to be a ruckman in the modern era, his overall game would easily translate to the present.

 

[Robbo's my hero]

Excellent portrayal of Big Nick.

It’s interesting that Big Nick was the steak knives. Carlton was keen on his older brother Don and John came as part of the deal.

John’s steel blue eyes scared the hell out friend and foe alike. An eloquent orator who could inspire people. He certainly had a mean streak and would dish it out. His flat punt wafted through the air but was deadly accurate. Big Nick, Percy and Peter Hudson were fine exponents of this kick.

Big Nick’s ruckwork was classical. An early leap to earn the advantage. The opposite ruckman’s hip was a good place to find and hang that little longer in the air. The palm out to advantage. None of this punching the ball. It’s a shame that the rule changes have taken these skills out of the game.

 

[Blue and Blue]

I cant go past John Nicholls as the man that took Barrasi's wish to play hard football best. It was uncompromising and tough the way he played. Playing to win was all that mattered. We need a Big Nick again.

 

[thylacine60]

I can't love everybody.

you can and you'll love it.....

 

[footyfan1978]

you can and you'll love it.....

I can't love Aaron Hamill.
I can't love one ex-girlfriend. The rest were all good hearted souls.
I can't love Malthouse.
I can forgive Pagan.
Shit, I can even forgive Elliott but will not forget.
I can't love golf or cigarettes.
Sue me.

 

[footyfan1978]

We have had so many great players but for mine Jezza was the best by a country mile. Excelled in so many positions on the ground, a century goalkicker, one of the great attacking half backs and great as a midfielder too. He was a freak and was consistently good over a long period of time.

As far as captains go I'd have Kernahan and Nicholls up there before anyone else.

I only think Big Nick, from what I've read can compete with Jezza as our greatest player. I know the black and white grainy videos we can see on youtube cannot do those players of their time justice, for those of us that really did not follow football when Jezza was young . The highlights and everything I have ever heard of him, only Gary Ablett senior can compare in pure football skill with Jezza. I also think the cat like balance and reflexes of Cyril Rioli at ground level must have been a bit Jezza like too. You old bastards that saw him live make me so jealous. I reckon following Carlton from 1968 to early 80's you old bastards were spoilt big time. I was a decade too late to see all that. Just happy I caught the Jezza captain-coach era on tv as a little kid.

 

[Dadda Dave]

I only think Big Nick, from what I've read can compete with Jezza as our greatest player. I know the black and white grainy videos we can see on youtube cannot do those players of their time justice, for those of us that really did not follow football when Jezza was young . The highlights and everything I have ever heard of him, only Gary Ablett senior can compare in pure football skill with Jezza. I also think the cat like balance and reflexes of Cyril Rioli at ground level must have been a bit Jezza like too. You old bastards that saw him live make me so jealous. I reckon following Carlton from 1968 to early 80's you old bastards were spoilt big time. I was a decade too late to see all that. Just happy I caught the Jezza captain-coach era on tv as a little kid.

Can confirm mid 70s & 80s was Champaign football.

 

[Blue and Blue]

I only think Big Nick, from what I've read can compete with Jezza as our greatest player. I know the black and white grainy videos we can see on youtube cannot do those players of their time justice, for those of us that really did not follow football when Jezza was young . The highlights and everything I have ever heard of him, only Gary Ablett senior can compare in pure football skill with Jezza. I also think the cat like balance and reflexes of Cyril Rioli at ground level must have been a bit Jezza like too. You old bastards that saw him live make me so jealous. I reckon following Carlton from 1968 to early 80's you old bastards were spoilt big time. I was a decade too late to see all that. Just happy I caught the Jezza captain-coach era on tv as a little kid.

The difference is Rioli would do it a few times a game, wheras Jezza did it many times over and over and did the hard stuff and one percenters as well. Jezza was incredible, the most athletic player I've seen in any era that had skill to match. Even greater than his skill was his determination. But I still rate Nicholls as our best. Doull was less flashy but made less mistakes than Jezza. So many great players for us over many years but I rate those three as supreme. Judd was terrific in a different kind of game and Sticks was terrific for a long time. But still not equal to the likes of those three old champions. And the proof for me is in premierships, the only thing that matters.

 

[8inmylife]

I can't love Aaron Hamill.
I can't love one ex-girlfriend. The rest were all good hearted souls.
I can't love Malthouse.
I can forgive Pagan.
Shit, I can even forgive Elliott but will not forget.
I can't love golf or cigarettes.
Sue me.

Agree with all this except Elliott. Cannot forgive that man. He was in charge during a successful period when there was the old way to climb the ladder. But when the rules changed he thumbed his nose and gave the AFL an excuse to destroy our club. I said at the time it would penalise us for a decade. I underestimated. And I despise the pointlessness of golf.


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[8inmylife]

I only think Big Nick, from what I've read can compete with Jezza as our greatest player. I know the black and white grainy videos we can see on youtube cannot do those players of their time justice, for those of us that really did not follow football when Jezza was young . The highlights and everything I have ever heard of him, only Gary Ablett senior can compare in pure football skill with Jezza. I also think the cat like balance and reflexes of Cyril Rioli at ground level must have been a bit Jezza like too. You old bastards that saw him live make me so jealous. I reckon following Carlton from 1968 to early 80's you old bastards were spoilt big time. I was a decade too late to see all that. Just happy I caught the Jezza captain-coach era on tv as a little kid.

Ah Jezza. At a game in early 70’s I saw him fly for a mark, the likes of which I have never seen from anyone else. Allow me to attempt a description. Ball was kicked into our HF line, towards a pack of 3-4. Jezza ran in from the side of the pack, leapt head-first above the pack and took the mark in a horizontal position, arms outstretched like a dive, and landed on his feet (somehow). He barely touched any of the other players, who stood stunned with a WTF expression that was actually funny. Heaps of greats, and I love them all, but he’s my best ever.


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[AceAndy]

I can't love golf or cigarettes.

And I despise the pointlessness of golf.
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Wow off season certainly brings out the crazys.

I expect Mods will be dealing with these posters.

 

[chipzac]

I only think Big Nick, from what I've read can compete with Jezza as our greatest player. I know the black and white grainy videos we can see on youtube cannot do those players of their time justice, for those of us that really did not follow football when Jezza was young . The highlights and everything I have ever heard of him, only Gary Ablett senior can compare in pure football skill with Jezza. I also think the cat like balance and reflexes of Cyril Rioli at ground level must have been a bit Jezza like too. You old bastards that saw him live make me so jealous. I reckon following Carlton from 1968 to early 80's you old bastards were spoilt big time. I was a decade too late to see all that. Just happy I caught the Jezza captain-coach era on tv as a little kid.

Agree. From the games I saw, Big Nick was the original controller and dominator of games. He was in complete charge and without doubt the best ruckman the game has ever had. Among other things, he was an amazing mark, kick, handball and palm out / tap ruckman ... I got sick of the number of times I heard his tap out was 'right down Gallagher's throat'.

Jezza, on the other hand could do unbelievable things. It was amazing witnessing someone running so fast with his upper body parallel to the ground who had the ball on a string and had the agility of a cat. Yep, there were no better players playing the game than those two.

But, for anyone who had the privilege of seeing Brent Crosswell at his best ... when he was on his game (you would swear he should have been wearing a cape) ... well, that was something you could never forget, too. If he had been more consistent and continued to play for us, he would have been the third one, in my book.

 

[FootyGeek]

This goal is my classic piece of Jezza magic. Brings the ball to ground with two men right on him, handballs in front of himself, dodges another and snaps on his left from a crazy angle. He and Baldock were very similar great in the air and great on the turf. I know Jezza did not like the nickname of the worm, but he was just like a worm pushing the ball along the ground in front of him dodging everyone in the way.

 

[Robertio]

Agree. From the games I saw, Big Nick was the original controller and dominator of games. He was in complete charge and without doubt the best ruckman the game has ever had. Among other things, he was an amazing mark, kick, handball and palm out / tap ruckman ... I got sick of the number of times I heard his tap out was 'right down Gallagher's throat'.

Jezza, on the other hand could do unbelievable things. It was amazing witnessing someone running so fast with his upper body parallel to the ground who had the ball on a string and had the agility of a cat. Yep, there were no better players playing the game than those two.

But, for anyone who had the privilege of seeing Brent Crosswell at his best ... when he was on his game (you would swear he should have been wearing a cape) ... well, that was something you could never forget, too. If he had been more consistent and continued to play for us, he would have been the third one, in my book.

Agree with every word of this.

 

[Blues177]

This goal is my classic piece of Jezza magic. Brings the ball to ground with two men right on him, handballs in front of himself, dodges another and snaps on his left from a crazy angle. He and Baldock were very similar great in the air and great on the turf. I know Jezza did not like the nickname of the worm, but he was just like a worm pushing the ball along the ground in front of him dodging everyone in the way.

3.07mins...dog got out of the way just in time!

 

[Boy with chook]

Great descriptions of Nick and Jezza all. My favorite Nick match up was against Don McKenzie of *. Both large men (for the time) with pointy elbows that could play.