1956 Night Series

Carlton would be Runners-Up in the 1956 Night Series Competition.

1956 'Night' Series First Round

Game Review

In the first series of 'night' football arranged by the VFL and Carlton played in the 4th match these matches were between sides that finished outside the final and played over the month of the finals.

This was the first 'night' game that Carlton played in that had been arranged by the VFL. Carlton had been the first side to win a match played under lights when they had played in the second 'night' game at the MCG on August 13, 1879 when they defeated Melbourne by 2 goals to nil when Carlton's George Coulthard scored both goals.

Essendon was the first side to win a match for premiership points ‘under lights’ when they defeated Geelong at the Brisbane Exhibition Ground in 1952 during the VFL's 'Propaganda Round', when teams were sent to the country and interstate to play their Round 8 matches, this match was played on a Monday night after their game had been postponed from the Saturday due to heavy rain in and played before a crowd of about 28,000.

Carlton would also win the first League final played ‘under lights’ when the defeated Essendon by 2 points in the Qualifying Final, 1993.

Robert Licciardo became the first Carlton played to play in the 'Night' series without having played with the seniors and he would never play in the seniors.

Team 1956 'Night' First Round

1956 'Night' Series Semi Final

Game Review

This was the highest level and last game that Don MacRae played in at Carlton, he had started in the Under 19s at the start of that season and was promoted thru the reserves. The Annual Report for that season made a great fuss about this feat. Don was also the second Carlton played to play in the 'Night' series without having played with the seniors.

Team 1956 'Night' Semi Final

1956 'Night' Series Grand Final

Game Review

Carlton were unable to overcome the Swans who had the home ground advantage and were defeated by 6 points. This was also Ken Hands last game for Carlton.

Bad Tempers on show under bad lights
South won the League's inaugural night Premiership, defeating Carlton 13.16.(94) to 13.10.(88). The night series has been described as a 'loser's championship" highlighted by beer and brawls as it comprises the eight teams outside the Four, but that did not prevent a night record of 32,450 roaring their support. They were better lit up than than the oval - taking advantage of legal beer outside the six o'clock swill. Uneven lighting and brawls were also featured. - 100 Years of Australian Football.

Team 1956 'Night' Grand Final

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1956 | 1957 Night Series