The Carlton Pride Committee are a diverse group committed to promoting the ideals of Carlton Pride to all members and fans of the Carlton Football Club. We strive to do this through interaction with the Club, AFL and AFLW players and members from all walks of life.
David Gould
President & Carlton Football Club Liaison + Relationships
When did you join the committee?
2017 – Year of Establishment
What skills do you bring to the committee?
Definitely not I.T. skills! But I’m passionate about strong organisation and relationship building. I’ve been secretary of many committees and recognise the importance of accurate record keeping and strong follow-up of committee tasks. But I also think that the committee experience has to be fulfilling and fun – and try to work towards those goals.
I’m also anal about grammar – which drives everyone nuts!
What is your favourite Carlton moment?
Being at the 1979 Grand Final v Collingwood. Last moment of the game, when I saw a blue wave of people rise as one and wondered why. There was so much noise I couldn’t hear the siren – but we had won the game! And even better, we had beaten Collingwood by 5 points!
Eliza Leverett
Treasurer & Membership Manager
When did you join the committee?
2018
What skills do you bring to the committee?
I’ve spent many years on various committees, including being the AFL co-ordinator at the mighty Darebin Falcons. This role included areas such as player registration, memberships, merchandise, game-day management, and being the Darebin representative on the VWFL committee.
What is your favourite Carlton moment?
My favourite player to date is Lance Whitnall and my favourite game is the ’99 Prelim. So naturally Big Red’s goal in the final quarter is my equal favourite Carlton moment.
Watching the Game Changers in the inaugural (and lockout) AFLW season opener is my other favourite Carlton moment. I’m still patiently waiting for a GF win!
Felicity Gaylard (they/them)
Community Engagement & Committee Administration
When did you join the committee?
2021
What skills do you bring to the committee?
In both my professional and personal lives, I love learning about, and continuing to expand my knowledge, understanding and contribution to all things diversity and inclusion as well as active involvement and advocacy for matters that influence societal betterment. (i.e. basically how we can all be better, kinder humans in our respective communities).
What is your favourite Carlton moment?
It’s a tie between 3rd February 2017, the first game of AFLW and taking my old man (a lifelong Carlton supporter, at then, 65 years) to a lunch event hosted by Spirit of Carlton in 2012 to celebrate the 81/82 Grand Final teams with past and present players. I’ve got a brilliant group photo with Ian Robertson, Alex Jesaulenko, Robert Walls, Bryce Gibbs, Chris Judd & Marc Murphy, and my Dad ADORED the day and seeing/chatting to the past players. It was a very special occurrence/memory for me.
Fraser Clifton (he/him)
Social Media Manager & Graphics
When did you join the committee?
December, 2022
What skills do you bring to the committee?
I’ve always wanted to get involved in an LGBTQIA+ group and my love for footy makes this role perfect for me! As someone who has grown up with Social Media, I love to engage our supporters both online and in-person at our events.
What is your favourite Carlton moment?
Celebrating the 2023 Semi Final win with my Dad at the MCG! Another great Carlton moment was when I was 11, watching the Blues come back from 48 points down against the Bombers to win in 2007!
Mike Samuel (he/him)
IT – Websites & Fundraising Manager
When did you join the committee?
2020 (just)
What skills do you bring to the committee?
Hoping to assist with the digital footprint of Carlton Pride through my IT background.
What is your favourite Carlton moment?
I had just moved out of home, sitting on a camp chair watching my second hand television propped up on a milk crate and the unbelievable feeling of watching Justin Murphy hold the ball aloft as the siren sounded to end the 1999 Preliminary Final against Essendon.
And yes, the following week was a sweet / sour moment with Carlton losing, and Storm winning.
Ine Beerens (she/her)
When did you join the committee?
2022
What skills do you bring to the committee?
I have always held a passion for sport and its potential to unite and strengthen communities and social cohesion. I hope to support the committee and our vision by applying learnings from my experience in designing interventions for diverse communities to improve access to systems and social infrastructure in Australia.
What is your favourite Carlton moment?
Having moved to Australia from Belgium in 2018, I have only been a Carlton supporter for 5 years! Seeing them go through to the finals in 2023 was pretty special. It would have to be a tie though with Crippa winning the Brownlow.
Mary Closter (she/her)
When did you join the committee?
2023! Having been a Member since establishment in 2017, this invitation felt particularly special for me, as my daughter is gay and I am so proud of her.
What skills do you bring to the committee?
I’ve actually asked myself this very question! All I can say is that I am driven, passionate, enthusiastic and have a wonderful connections as I am a Carlton Cheer Squad Member!
What is your favourite Carlton moment?
For me, The Melbourne Vs Carlton Semi final in 2023 was probably one of the best games I’ve ever seen, even better than the ’95 grand final! It was exciting, it was heart stopping, and it was the first time I ever felt the ground shake at the MCG. When that final siren went, people were hugging and crying with total strangers. It was just awesome and to top it off, I was able to share that experience with my daughter.