A trip down memory lane awaits Brendon Bolton with his Blues travelling to Launceston for their Round 19 clash against Hawthorn on Saturday.
After being announced as Carlton’s senior coach in August last year, the 37-year-old will return to his home state for the first time with premiership points at stake.
Originally from Pipers River, Bolton’s football roots lie in Australia’s most southern state, with Tasmania being the home of his successful playing and early coaching career.
Despite being slight in stature, Bolton stood out on the footy field and at the age of 19 the North Launceston player won the Darrel Baldock Medal for best on ground in the Tasmanian State Football League Grand Final.
A 19-year-old Brendon Bolton celebrates winning the Tasmanian State Football League Grand Final with North Launceston.
Five years down the track, a 24-year-old Bolton took the reins as captain-coach of North Hobart and successfully led his side to a premiership while also winning the league’s Horrie Gorringe Medal for Tasmania’s best-and-fairest footballer.
Following his stint at North Hobart, ‘Bolts’ coached the Tassie Devils, Clarence and Box Hill before spending seven years at Hawthorn where he was part of a coaching panel that led the Hawks to three successive flags.
Brendon Bolton celebrates winning a premiership as captain-coach of North Hobart.
Earlier this month, Bolton’s contribution to Tasmanian football was recognised when he was inducted into the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame.
“As a passionate Tasmanian, I am very honoured to be inducted,” Bolton said.
“Tassie footy has produced some great talent over the years so it is humbling to be inducted alongside them.”
Blues supporters will have the chance to meet Bolton and his players in the ‘Apple Isle’ when Carlton holds open training at Aurora Stadium from 12:15pm on Friday.
