1968

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Semi Final | The Grand Final
Fixture by Round

1968 Summary

In 1968 the premiership season would be expanded from an 18 round home and away competition the previous year, to a 20 round competition this year. This was pivotal in our season, after the traditional 18 rounds, Carlton sat in fourth place on the ladder. Wins in rounds 19 and round 20 elevated the Blues to second place at the end of the home and away season, and a double chance in the finals. This smoothed the finals path for the club, two finals wins saw Carlton win their 9th Premiership in 1968 by defeating Essendon by 3 points at the MCG. This was Carlton's first Premiership since 1947, ending a 21 year drought - the second longest in our proud history (behind 1915-1938).

The Blues would start 1968 with a 46 point win against Geelong in round 1. This would be particularly sweet, as the Cats had knocked Carlton out of the 1967 finals, beating the club by 29 points. Another tough game followed in round 2, the Blues meeting Richmond, the previous years Premiers, and this time losing by 46 points. A 33 point loss to Essendon the following week must have had fans searching for the form of the year before. Carlton was sitting in eight place, with a lot of work to do.

A ten week winning stretch saw the Blues firm to be flag favourites, sitting on top of the ladder by percentage over Essendon. Out of these 10 wins, 3 were narrow wins against South Melbourne, Geelong and Richmond (by 12, 8 and 6 points respectively), while rest were solid or impressive wins. Round 14 saw the form two teams, Essendon and Carlton, play and for the second time in the season the Bombers came out on top, with a narrow 6 point win at Windy Hill. A 13 point loss to Hawthorn round 15) followed, and the Blues stumbled again a week later, to Footscray by 32 points in round 16. These 3 losses in a row dropped the club from 1st place on the ladder to 4th, only one game from dropping out of the four entirely.

The team didn't panic, and registered four solid wins to finish up the season. This allowed the club to finish in second place, 6 points behind Essendon in 1st and ahead of Geelong in 3rd by percentage. The Blues had finished the season with a 15-5 record, and would meet Essendon in the second Semi Final after a weeks break. After two losses to Essendon in the home and away season, Carlton might have been nervous going into the final, but a 5 goal to 1 first quarter saw the Blues have a handy quarter time lead. The Bombers hit back hard in the second quarter, and trailed by only 3 points at half time. Carlton held its nerve and kicked 7 goals to 1 in the second half to comfortably win the game and advanced to the Grand Final with a weeks break.

Essendon would beat Geelong in the Preliminary Final, setting up a contest between the best two teams of the year in the Grand Final. With 116,828 people at the MCG for the final, the Blues established a 13 point break at half time after a close first term. The Blues inaccurate kicking kept the Bombers in the game, however, but Carlton managed to hang on to win the game the flag - 7.14 (56) to 8.5 (53).

Blueseum Footnote: Much of the game commentary in the game links has been extracted from a hand-written journal of the year provided by avid Carlton fan, Daryl Goldie.

Colour footage of the 1968 Grand Final is provided 50 seconds into this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IzNHoN6VA4

Ladder

Pos	Team	Wins	Draws	Losses	Points	For	Against	%
1	Essendon	16	1	3	66	262.288.1860	195.258.1428	130.3
2	Carlton	15	0	5	60	249.257.1751	185.233.1343	130.4
3	Geelong	15	0	5	60	215.238.1528	197.249.1431	106.8
4	St Kilda	14	1	5	58	243.260.1718	175.213.1263	136
5	Richmond	14	0	6	56	256.353.1889	217.234.1536	123
6	Hawthorn	9	1	10	38	279.260.1934	270.249.1869	103.5
7	Collingwood	9	0	11	36	226.267.1623	247.235.1717	94.5
8	Melbourne	8	0	12	32	204.210.1434	243.251.1709	83.9
9	Sth Melbourne	6	1	13	26	233.241.1639	274.310.1954	83.9
10	Footscray	5	0	15	20	198.225.1413	241.264.1710	82.6
11	Fitzroy	4	0	16	16	232.251.1643	291.289.2035	80.7
12	Nth Melbourne	3	0	17	12	176.210.1266	238.275.1703	74.3

People of 1968

Captain: Ron Barassi Coach: Ron Barassi Leading Goal-kicker: Brian Kekovich - 59 goals Best & Fairest: Serge Silvagni

Milestones

Debuts: Gordon Casey, Neil Chandler, Ted Hopkins, Noel Bishop, Peter Smith, Brent Crosswell

v St.Kilda in Sydney at the S.C.G. Saturday June 01

No VFL matches this weekend as Victoria played South Australia. The curtain raiser to this Sydney game was the VFL Reserves team playing NSW XVIII. The Vics won by 13 points. Victoria's captain Carlton's Ron Auchettl scored the sealer late in the match. The other Carlton representative named in the 21 man squad was Carlton Thirds captain Peter Dyring (18, 5.10, 12st.) Former Carlton champion Graham Donaldson coached the Vics. Crowd, 22,472 Larger by 8,160 than the rugby league match of the day on the adjoining ground. Much to the disappointment of the crowd Ron Barassi did not play. He reinjured his hamstring at training. Carlton squad; (28) Graeme Anderson, Ron Barassi (C.C.), Noel Bishop, Terry Board, Ian Collins, Garry Crane, Brent Crosswell, Bob Edmond, Adrian Gallagher, Barry Gill, Kevin Hall, Peter Jones, Brian Kekovich, Peter Kerr, John Lloyd, Wes Lofts, Peter McLean, Ricky McLean, Dennis Munari, Ian Nicoll. Bryan Quirk, Ian Robertson, Peter Smith, Cliff Stewart, Serge Silvagni, Ron Stone, Vin Waite, Robert Walls. Team Manager: Gerald Burke Carlton team line-up unknown. Umpire; Don Jolley Carlton lost by 58 points. Carl; 3.3 8.4 9.9 11.14.80 StK; 5.1 7.7 15.9 21.12.138 Goals; Kekovich 4, Robertson 2, Bishop 2, Jarick, Jones, Jackson. Best; Robertson, Hall, Thornley, Jackson, Jarick. Stephen Jarick was not named in the team squad, but mentioned in the match report. He was a Reserves player (1967-1969) who did not play a senior game https://nswfootballhistory.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/1968-06-01-NSW-Australian-National-Football-League-Football-Record-Carlton-v-St-Kilda.pdf

Round: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

Gallery

DG1 Barassi and the Blues.jpgShot of Barassi
DG3 Goold in suit.jpg
1968 GF Tickets.jpg
DG Round 1 Scoreboard.jpgSupporter Journal - Daryl Goldie
DG Wes Lofts cartoon.jpgSupporter Journal - Daryl Goldie
DG Round 2 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Rd 7 Wes Lofts Picture.jpg
DG Round 5 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 3 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 6 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 4 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 7 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 10 Stats.jpg
DG Round 8 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 10 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 9 Scoreboard.jpg
DG 1968 Jezza and Stephen.jpg
DG Round 12 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Nicholls 1968 State match.jpg
DG Round 13 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 11 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Crosswell Interview.jpg
DG Round 14 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 15 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 16 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 19 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 17 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Round 18 Scoreboard.jpg
DG Rd 17 Barassi.jpg
DG Semi details.jpg
DG Round 17 Barassi 2.jpg
DG Semi Final Stats.jpg
DG Round 18 Article.jpg
DG Round 20 Scoreboard.jpg
1968 - Sage defends Barassi from oracles.Article from; 100 Years of Australian Football.
1968 - Barassi's 250th game.Article from; 100 Years of Australian Football.
1968 - Barassi's prediction.
1968 - Sir Kenneth Luke addressing gathering.Pic; Football Life.
1968 - Denis Munari.Pic; Football Life.
1968 Brent Crosswell series - Pt 1 (page 4 of 4).
1968 Brent Crosswell series - Pt 1 (page 3 of 4).Pic; Football Life.
1968 Brent Crosswell series - Pt 1 (page 2 of 4).Pic; Football Life.
1968 Brent Crosswell series - Pt 1 (page 1 of 4).Pic; Football Life.
1968 - Carlton recruiter Gerald Burke's view on zones.
1968 Brent Crosswell May series - Pt 2 (page 4 of 4).Pic; Football Life.
1968 Brent Crosswell May series - Pt 2 (page 3 of 4).Pic; Football Life.
1968 Brent Crosswell May series - Pt 2 (page 2 of 4).Pic; Football Life.
1968 Brent Crosswell May series - Pt 2 (page 1 of 4).Pic; Football Life.
1968 - John Goold at work.
1968 - John Goold & wife Lynne.
1968 - John Goold at work.
1968 - John Goold at work.Pic; Football Life.
1968 - John Goold the half-back with class (page 4 of 4).
1968 - John Goold the half-back with class (page 3 of 4).
1968 - John Goold the half-back with class (page 2 of 4).Pic; Football Life.
1968 - John Goold the half-back with class (page 1 of 4).Pic; Football Life.
1968 - Keith Warburton playing lawn bowls.
1968 - Keith Warburton article.
1968 - Cliff Stewart.Pic; Football Life.
1968 - Brent Crosswell.
1968 Brent Crosswell July series - Pt 3 (page 4 of 4).
1968 Brent Crosswell July series - Pt 3 (page 3 of 4).
1968 Brent Crosswell July series - Pt 3 (page 2 of 4).
1968 Brent Crosswell July series - Pt 3 (page 1 of 4).Pic; Football Life.
1968 - Coach's comments.
1968 - Brent Crosswell's First Year (page 5 of 5).
1968 - Brent Crosswell's First Year (page 4 of 5).
1968 - Brent Crosswell's First Year (page 3 of 5).
1968 - Brent Crosswell's First Year (page 2 of 5).
1968 - Brent Crosswell's First Year (page 1 of 5).
1968 Rd 1 - Brent Crosswell lays a strong tackle on debut.
1968 Rd 5 - Brent Crosswell about to handball.Pic; Football Life.
1968 Rd 11 - John Nicholls.
1968 Rd 18 - Ron Barassi gets a clearing kick.
1968 Rd 3 - John Nicholls in pursuit of the footy.
1968 - Jack Howell Article (Sept).
1968 - Carlton Coach Ron Barassi.
1968 - John Goold at the channel 7 studios.
1968 - John Goold at the channel 7 studios.Pic; Football Life.
1968 Rd 14 - Peter Jones flies for a mark.Pic; Football Life.
1968 Rd 14 - Serge Silvagni in pursuit of the footy.Pic; Football Life.
1968 Rd 18 - Ron Auchettl tackles Barry Price.Pic: Football Life.
1968 - Ian Collins running laps at VFL park.Pic: Football Life.
1968 Rd 17 - Big Nick in the ruck.Pic: Football Life.
1968 Rd 13 - Ron Auchettl grabs the ball in front of Bartlett.Pic: Football Life.
1968 - John Goold at work.Pic: Football Life.
1968 - Club Runner Syd Jackson.Pic: Football Life.
1968 Rd 14 - Silvagni & Gallagher in pursuit of the footy.Pic: Football Life.
1968 - Ron Stone plays 50th game.Football Record 11th May, 1968.
1968 - Carlton Social Notes (11/05/68).Football Record 11th May, 1968.
1968 Rd 5 - Carlton Team List.Football Record 11th May, 1968.
1968 Rd 5 - Carlton Team Selections.Football Record 11th May, 1968.
1968 Grand Final - Another Nicholls - McKenzie duel.
$1968 Barassi\'s 250th Game Vs Footscray$

1968 Barassi\'s 250th Game Vs Footscray
Barassi Leads The Blues At Training 1968
1968 Rd 18 - Big Nick flies for a grab.
1968 - Wes Lofts.
1968 - Bryan Quirk.
1968 Rd 3 - Serge Silvagni marks.
1968 2nd Semi - John Nicholls 200th game.
1968 - Sir Kenneth Luke.
1968 - Big Nick finals experience.
1968 2nd Semi - Ron Barassi to coach from the sidelines.
1968 2nd Semi - Team List & Selections.
1968 2nd Semi - Player Profiles.
1968 2nd Sem- Match Preview (pg 3 of 3).
1968 2nd Sem- Match Preview (pg 2 of 3).
1968 2nd Sem- Match Preview (pg 1 of 3).
1968 2nd Semi - Footy Record Cover.
1968 2nd Semi Match Review Vs Essendon.
1968 - Ian Collins at VFL Park.
1968 - Carlton's Season Review.
1968 2nd Semi - Match Summary.
Nicholls And Barassi Chaired Off 1968 Grand Final
1968 Grand Final Lofts (20) Collins (19) And Jones (28)
1968 Grand Final A Packed House At The MCG
1968 GF The Carlton Cheer Squad Fires Up
1968 GF The Mighty Blues Enter The Arena
1968 GF Nicholls & Barassi Chaired Off The Ground
Ron Barassi Ampol Poster 1968
Program 1968 Championship Of Australia. Sturt Vs Carlton
1968 MCG aerial Second Semi Final v Ess 1968 MCG aerial Second Semi Final v Ess Age Sept 16
John Goold 1968
Ron Barassi And The Club SongEdited image - originally submitted by Daryl Goldie.
Siren! Carlton wins the 1968 Grand Final Jubilation and relief for Carlton players (left to right) Adrian Gallagher, Brent Crosswell, Kevin Hall and John Nicholls. Edited image - originally submitted by Bombasheldon.
1968 Rnd 5 v Footscray 1968 Rnd 5 v Footscray Age May 14
1968 John Goold Interviewed By Jack Dyer On World Of SportEdited image from Football Life. Originally submitted by Bombasheldon.
1968 GF Big Nick Leads The Blues Lap Of Honour
1968 2nd SF John Goold Takes A One Handed Mark.Edited image - originally submitted by Bombasheldon.
1968 'Chooka' Howell At Work.Picture from Football Life. Amended image originally submitted by Bombasheldon.
1968 GF Ian Collins & Ron Barassi Fill The Premiership Cup
1968 Bob Edmond 1968 Bob Edmond - training at Princes Park Trove Images
1968 Bob Edmond1968 Bob Edmond - training at Princes Park
1968 Bob Edmond 1968 Bob Edmond - training at Princes Park Trove Images
1968 Ron Barassi And The Premiership Cup
1968 Barassi Rallies The BluesEdited image - originally submitted by Bombasheldon.
1968 2nd Semi - Bryan Quick on the burst.
1968 2nd Semi - Big Nick clears the footy.
1968 2nd Semi - John Goold & Barry Gill.
1968 - Carlton vs Sturt National Championship Game; Jones & Bennett flies for mark with Kekovich front & square (1969 Footy Record Cover).
1968 - Future Blue Alex Rusculic.
1968 - John Goold article (August 2nd).
1968 Rd 4 - Wes Lofts spoils Peter Hudson.
1968 - Former Blue; Golden Square's Neville Strauch.
1968 - John Goold Heinz poster.
1968 - John Nicholls Heinz poster.
1968 - Percy Bentley article.
1968 Rd 14 - John Nicholls and Ron Barassi in pursuit of the footy.
1968 Rd 19 - Carlton vs Fitzroy Match Report.
1968 - Carlton vs Sturt; Peter McLean in a marking contest.
1968 - Club Mascots.
1968 Rd 8 - Wes Lofts spoils the pack supported by Ron Stone.
1968 - Carlton Training Notes (June 5).
1968- Champions of Australia Match; Carlton vs Sturt.
1968 - Ron Barassi article.
1968 - Carlton's way to stop Peter Hudson.
1968 - Blues secure Syd Jackson.
1968 V Foots Age May 14 Capture
IMG 0022
1966 Wes Lofts V Geel Age July 9 Capture
1968 Championship Game Ian Collins Being Chaired By Percy Jones & Brian Kekovich.
1968 Championship Match Bill Bennett Flies For A Marck Against Sturt.
1968 Championship Match Carlton V Sturt