Glenn Mitchell has written a wonderful piece on the Carlton Football Club website about former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies and his love of the Blues.
Menzies was Prime Minister from 1939-41 and 1949-66.
Mitchell writes how a car ramp was installed between the Heatley and Harris Stands at Princes Park for Menzies’ Bentleigh.
The ramp was always up about 20 minutes before game time and as the time approached for Sir Robert’s arrival, people would be looking over their shoulders wanting his tinted-window black Bentleigh drive up that ramp to give Sir Robert and his wife, Dame Pattie, a view of the game above the crowd. As the minutes ticked by, there would always be a sense of apprehension and excitement. Apprehension because we didn’t want him to miss the game – or worse – and excitement that he had arrived safely and we could all get on with supporting the Mighties who were a fantastic team in those glory years. There was always a cheer when the Bentleigh drove up and it was universal. Labor and Liberal supporters forgetting their political differences and being united by the arrival of the club’s number one ticket holder and a true Carlton man.
I don’t normally quote such a long extract, but Mitchell captured the scene so well.
I saw it once. I can’t remember the date or even the year. Dad barracked for Carlton and took me to a few games at Princes Park in 1976 and 1977 before Menzies died.
It must have been one of those games at which Menzies arrived in his Bentleigh. Dad didn’t like Menzies, but I gained the impression he had a grudging respect for him as a Carlton supporter.
Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies with Carlton defender John James.
