In the words of a former Prime Minister and No. 1 ticket-holder at Carlton, Malcolm Fraser, life wasn't meant to be easy.
If Malcolm was alive today, that would be his overriding sentiment as a Blues supporter because this century, apart from a couple of brief resurgences, has been the most barren and depressing period in the club's rich and storied history.
Fortunately I am old enough as I approach pension status to have lived through and witnessed the glory days.
So my task is not easy - name the best 10 Carlton players I have seen since I started following the Blues. My memories go back to the mid-1960s - and already I start with profound apologies to some champions who miss the cut.
Brownlow Medallists Greg Williams and Chris Judd do not make it and there are notable others - in no particular order Jimmy Buckley, Brent Crosswell, Mike Fitzpatrick, Wayne Harmes, Ken Hunter, Trevor Keogh, Anthony Koutoufides, David McKay, Brett Ratten, Sergio Silvagni and Geoff Southby.
Cue the phone calls, comments and outrage - I'll accept the responsibility and it is my opinion.
8Rod Ashman
Although he made the club's Team of the Century, this selection may surprise many, given he didn't win a best and fairest award in his 236-game career.
But the helmeted ‘Ashy' was a key figure in the club's famed Mosquito Fleet in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Brilliant, courageous rover who played in the 1981-82 premiership teams, represented Victoria four times and was runner-up in the Brownlow Medal in 1981.
