Northern Blues Representing The Northern Corridor

The nine-year association between Carlton and its VFL affiliate club was strengthened today with the official launch of the Northern Blues.

Carlton Football Club President Stephen Kernahan was joined by Northern Blues President Stephen Papal and the Mayor of the City of Darebin, Cr. Steven Tsitas for the launch at Preston City Oval.

Kernahan said the two clubs have enjoyed a successful alignment, on and off the field, for nine years and the name change will further strengthen the association.

“We have enjoyed success on the field and the alignment has been outstanding for the development of our players. Under the Northern Blues banner this association will become stronger. Not only will the Northern Blues provide a platform for some of our younger players to grow and develop, it will open new doorways in relation to community engagement.

“This partnership, under the banner of the Northern Blues, will strengthen our foothold in the northern corridor of Melbourne and benefit football and the local communities,” Kernahan said.

The Northern Blues Football Club believe the new identity is a true reflection of the important role the club plays in the northern region of Melbourne, particularly in the development of footballers at both a local and elite level.

“This is a very important day for our Football Club, a club that has a very proud history; as the Preston Football Club from 1882 and in more recent years as the Northern Bullants. The Northern Blues Football Club will continue to respect this history.

“As the Northern Blues we will represent the north region of Melbourne in the VFL while working with Carlton to achieve the best working model for the development of players at the elite level as well as in the junior competitions in the northern corridor,” said Stephen Papal.

For the Northern Blues, the official launch coincided with the announcement of a new major partner, Grunt®, a national brand of tough, hardworking products for tough, hardworking Aussies, for 2012.

Stephen Kernahan and Stephen Papal presented Bill Nagel, the Managing Director of Grunt®, with the very first Northern Blues guernsey at the launch.

“It is fantastic to have a local business based here in Preston, with a national profile through Bunnings, as the major partner of the Northern Blues. The Grunt® tagline, Nothing’s Tougher, is very appropriate for our players,” Papal said.

The Mayor of the City of Darebin, Cr. Steven Tsitas said the Northern Blues were an important part of the local community and the city was delighted that Preston City Oval was the venue for VFL football and junior football in the region.

“Sport plays an important role and the Northern Blues continued connection to Darebin can only strengthen our community’s health and wellbeing. The Northern Blues School Program, which aims to educate and inform students on issues such as fitness, health, nutrition, team work, harmony and leadership is just one example of how this team is supporting our community.

“On behalf of Darebin Council, I congratulate the Northern Blues on their new name and look forward to seeing the team succeed at our premier oval, Preston City Oval,” said Cr. Tsitas.

Carlton player Matthew Kreuzer was also involved with the official launch and the junior clinic on Preston City Oval after the launch. He was joined by Grunt® Ambassador, former Australian Cricketer, Merv Hughes, in a ‘Grunt® Tug of War’ with primary school students.

 Stephen Kernahan and Stephen Papal with local school children.