Let's move ahead: Stevens

[NWTYRX]

http://carltonfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=313617

Senior Carlton midfielder Nick Stevens has said the players are relieved the board election is now resolved and that all sections of the club are looking forward to reviving the Blues' "powerhouse" status.

Speaking after the Blues' first intra-club match for 2007 at MC Labour Park on Monday morning where he was one of the best-afield, Stevens said that it was time for the club to move on under the new board.

"As a playing group I think we're happy that it's all over and done with now and everyone can get on with it and we can stop hearing about it in the media because, as a player, you concentrate on playing footy so you don’t see that side of it too much," Stevens said.

"Now it's all been put to bed the club can move forward and get it back to the powerhouse it once was.

"The players … don't get caught up in the politics of the football club. The board has dealt with that and the members have decided which way they're going to go so we can all move forward."

After the intra-club, the new Carlton board led by Stephen Kernahan and Greg Lee, neither of who was required to stand at the election which led to the ousting of president, Graham Smorgon, retired to the dressing rooms for photo opportunities and to mix with the players.

Asked for his reaction to the latest board developments, coach Denis Pagan was short and to the point.

"Coaches don't get involved with that sort of stuff. I'm paid to do a job - they've got to do their job," Pagan said.

Meanwhile Stevens agreed with Pagan's assessment that the players probably over-finessed in the intra-club, but he said there was nothing to be too concerned about.

"Yeah, we probably did, but that always happens in the first trial game," Stevens said.

"You're finding your feet and trying to get your kicking right and sometimes you tend to do that but I'm sure after the next month we'll sort that out."

Stevens said that he was pleased to be spoken about as one of the leading contenders for the club captaincy which will be announced after the Blues' NAB Cup campaign.

"I don’t know if I'm confident, but it's been talked about that I'm up there and Lance (Whitnall) as well and a few others and if it happens, so be it, I'll be glad if it does because it's something I'd really like," he said.

"But all I can do is train well and make sure I put my hand up and hopefully if it comes it comes, if it doesn't it doesn't and I'm sure whoever gets it will do a good job."

 

[as0l0]

good talk from Stevens. Would be great to see his best this year because his best is outstanding.

 

[BlueBelle]

good talk from Stevens. Would be great to see his best this year because his best is outstanding.

I just heard a little bit of his interview on Nova during a news update. He sounded so positive!! It gave me goosebumps!

20 sleeps until the NAB Cup!!!

 

[stokesy]

20 sleeps until the NAB Cup!!!

20 sleeps 'till I'm 18, where I'll be spending the early part of the evening behind the bar watching Gibbs, Murphy, Walker, Simpson and everyone else kick some backside.

 

[BlueBelle]

20 sleeps 'till I'm 18, where I'll be spending the early part of the evening behind the bar watching Gibbs, Murphy, Walker, Simpson and everyone else kick some backside.

Couldn't ask for a better Birthday pressie stokesy!!!

 

[Sublime]

20 sleeps 'till I'm 18, where I'll be spending the early part of the evening behind the bar watching Gibbs, Murphy, Walker, Simpson and everyone else kick some backside.

If its your 18th you would probably be lucky to make it till halftime if you're in the bar the whole time

 

[Kooley]

stevo is a quality person, i hope he has a big one in 2007!!!

 

[HBF]

Great interview with Nick, and i'm really looking forward to sseing how he goes this year, especially now that we have a little more midfield depth, even compared to last year.

 

[Smell The Glove]

20 sleeps 'till I'm 18, where I'll be spending the early part of the evening behind the bar watching Gibbs, Murphy, Walker, Simpson and everyone else kick some backside.

Same day as I turn 21. Will be completely maggoted that night - if I remember anything past quarter time it will be a miracle.