Ah, Carlton footy and Princes Park. Anthony Koutoufides, a Carlton legend, has been a Blue since he was a young lad of 14. And boy, does he miss the good old days at Princes Park. Twenty years ago, Carlton played its final men’s game at the ground against Melbourne. It was a sad farewell to suburban footy in Melbourne, with old strongholds no longer hosting VFL/AFL matches. Koutoufides reminisces about the glory days at Princes Park, calling it the best stadium in Australia. The MCG might be grand, but the feel of Princes Park was something else.
The Final Goodbye
The final game at Princes Park was a blur for many, but the emotions and memories linger on. Koutoufides, who captained the team for the last game at Princes Park, recalls the emotional day filled with past players and the realization that it was the end of an era. The atmosphere at the ground was electric, with fans going wild as the Blues fought their battles on the field.
A Different Path to Footy
Koutoufides didn’t follow the traditional path to senior footy. He didn’t get drafted but instead joined Carlton’s junior development squad at 14. His journey through the ranks led him to become a Carlton great, playing over 270 games for the club. Koutoufides reflects on the luck he had to stick with one club throughout his career, something not many players experience.
The Final Game
The final game at Princes Park was a memorable one, with Carlton facing Melbourne in a sellout match. Despite a tough season for the Blues, the atmosphere was charged with emotion as fans bid farewell to their beloved home ground. The game itself saw Carlton fighting hard in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The post-game ceremony, featuring Carlton legends and the handing over of the match ball to John Nicholls, marked the end of an era for Carlton at Princes Park.
The Legacy of Princes Park
Princes Park may no longer host VFL/AFL matches, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and players alike. The ground’s rich history, including the infamous Bloodbath grand final in 1945 and the failed bid to host the 1956 Olympics, is a testament to its significance in Australian football. While the development of the game may have necessitated the move to larger stadiums, the charm and character of suburban grounds like Princes Park will always hold a special place in the hearts of footy fans.