The first of the Team of the Century projects.
It took six months of discussions with the club to convince them that a painting of this impossible yet magical scene would be unique and certain to strike a chord with all Blues fans.
Never in AFL history had a dream scene like this been created, where champions spanning several eras came to life, together at one moment in time, interacting and ready to take the field in the Game of the Century.
It was released on the footy Show on the Thursday night and displayed on the back page of the Herald Sun the following morning. By the end of the day 800 of the 1,000 limited edition prints had sold. The rest were snapped up within days. The painting was purchased by the club and hangs proudly in the social club at Optus Oval, for all supporters to enjoy.
The painting depicts the locker room in the bowels of Princes Park/Optus Oval where the Blue's champions spanning 100 years of Carlton's rich history prepare for a game.
The Captain Steve Kernahan ushers us into this sacred scene.
Serge and Steve Silvagni are painted in their prime, yet father still gives his son a pep talk as SOS has a rub down. John Nicholls rests a hand on Diesel William's shoulder as they put their heads together with David Parkin. Wallsy gets some tips on how to outsmart a centre half back from brownlow medallist, Bert Deacon. Geoff Southby and Craig Bradley warm up with some handball as the tutor Mike Fitzpatrick has Wayne Johnson's full attention.
The premiership cups sit atop the lockers and Bruce Doull casually squashes a magpie under his boot. BLUE HEAVEN.