Shadowed by the colossus of the Great Southern Stand, respected Carlton administrator Shane O’Sullivan stood with his newest recruit, Scott Camporeale, and stared out at the expanse before them. The fresh-faced teenager from Adelaide had only recently arrived for an induction weekend, having been snapped up with pick 15 in the 1994 AFL draft.
“Have you ever been to the MCG?” O’Sullivan asked on Camporeale’s first day at Princes Park. The answer was a definitive no. The intimidating bustle of Melbourne was a world away from the charming tranquillity of Woodville Oval in the suburbs of the South Australian capital.
Part of O’Sullivan’s job in 1995 was to integrate new players into the Carlton system, controlling the intimidation that came with playing at such a storied club. “Round one we’ll be playing Collingwood here, mate,” O’Sullivan said, casting his eyes over the thousands of empty seats. “There’s probably gonna be about 85,000 people. You reckon you’d like playing in front of that?”
The Journey Begins
On April 2, 1995, Camporeale pulled on the number 16 navy blue guernsey for the first time and ran onto the MCG in front of 87,119 screaming supporters. By the end of the season, the kid from Woodville-West Torrens would write himself into the history books as a Carlton legend.
Five players debuted for Carlton in 1995, but Camporeale was the only one brought in via that season’s national draft. The draft was far from today’s glamorous affair, as Camporeale recalls, “I was actually sitting in a trade school exam at Regency Park back here in Adelaide when it was happening.”
“Carlton was one of the teams I hadn’t spoken to at all. I thought I was going to Melbourne. So I get out of the exam and mum rings me. She says ‘you’re going to Melbourne’. So I thought, yeah that’s OK, that’s what I expected. And then she says ‘no, no, no, you’re moving to Melbourne, but you’re playing for Carlton.'” — Scott Camporeale
The Blues had swooped on Camporeale with their first pick, undercutting the Demons, who ended up taking current Richmond coach Adem Yze with the very next pick. Despite the surprise, Camporeale was determined to make his mark.
Building a Legacy
For Carlton, the seven seasons from their 1987 premiership victory to the start of 1995 had been a mixed bag of close but no cigar. They had everything to prove. “There were some of my all-time favourites from South Australia in that team,” Camporeale says, reflecting on the intimidating Blues squad he joined.
Meanwhile, Matt Clape’s journey to Princes Park was similar to Camporeale’s in its unexpected nature. “I thought I was going to Adelaide,” Clape recalls. But a call from David Parkin on the way to work changed everything. At almost 26 years old, Clape was looking for a change after being on the West Coast list for four seasons.
Clape wasn’t the fresh-faced teenager that Camporeale was. “It was tough back then, it wasn’t like the AFL lists you have now,” Clape says. “I’m playing halfback, and you’re going up against guys like John Worsfold and Guy McKenna.”
Finding Their Place
Both Camporeale and Clape had to prove themselves to secure a spot in the team. Camporeale recalls being on the “possible” team for most of the preseason but eventually making his way to the “probables.” Clape found his opportunity in the forward line, a position that Carlton needed to strengthen.
On the Thursday before the opening match against Collingwood, players anxiously awaited the team list. Camporeale and Clape found their names highlighted, marking the beginning of their journey with the Blues.
Facing the Giants
Their debut match against Collingwood was a baptism of fire. “The biggest thing is the deafening noise,” Camporeale says. Clape, starting at half forward, quickly made an impact, scoring three goals and helping Carlton to a 29-point victory.
However, the season wasn’t without its challenges. Carlton faced unexpected losses to Sydney and St Kilda, prompting coach David Parkin to make changes to the lineup. Simon Beaumont and Glenn Manton were among those given a chance to prove themselves.
“We had a history of not playing well at the SCG and there was no other reason for that loss other than we just didn’t play our style of football.” — Matt Clape
Turning the Tide
Despite the setbacks, Carlton’s resolve was unshaken. “There wasn’t really any panic. It was a bit of a wake-up call,” Camporeale says. The team bounced back, going on a 15-game winning streak that culminated in a dominant performance in the grand final against Geelong.
For Clape, who had watched from the stands as his Eagles teammates won the flag twice in the three previous seasons, being in the middle of the celebrations on the MCG was a dream come true. “It was just a great experience to be in it,” Clape says.
Legacy and Reflections
Each player who donned the navy blue guernsey for the first time in 1995 walked away with life-changing memories. For some, like Beaumont, it was the start of a long career with the Blues. For others, like Harrison, it was a stepping stone to opportunities elsewhere.
Reflecting on the season, Camporeale acknowledges the impact it had on his career. “1995 set me up professionally in footy because you learn how to win and you learn how to train,” he says.
“At no stage just because you didn’t play that game were you made to feel any less part of the win and the celebration and the success the club enjoyed that year.” — Simon Beaumont
The 1995 Carlton team remains a benchmark in AFL history, not just for their on-field success but for the camaraderie and spirit that defined their journey. As the club looks to the future, the lessons and legacy of that year continue to inspire.
