Nicoll

Recruited from the Wangaratta Rovers club in northern Victoria (Ovens & Murray League), Ian Nicoll was a busy left-footer who contributed strongly in most of his 41 games for Carlton. He debuted for Carlton in Round 12, 1967 alongside Ken Jungwirth.

In 1969 he shared the roving duties with Adrian Gallagher in the Blues’ Grand Final loss to Richmond. Nicoll lined up for VFA Club Preston during the 1971 season. Nicol managed 21 games over two seasons during his time with the Bullants.

Wonderful article about Nicoll's time pre and post Blues: https://kbonreflection.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/fickle-fans-frazzled-former-blue/

From: https://kbonreflection.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/fickle-fans-frazzled-former-blue/

Old rivals Carlton and Richmond tangled in front of 119,000 fans to decide the 1969 premiership. “We led by four points at three quarter-time, but they ran over us in the last quarter. They kicked 4.7 to our two points. It was a huge disappointment,” Ian recalls.

“That was the day Billy Barrott was switched to full forward and kicked some telling goals, and big John Ronaldson snagged a couple from well out.”

Ian again shone during 1970, but after two average games towards the end of the season, Carlton coach Ron Barassi rung the changes and he made way for utility Bert Thornley in the semi-final ine-up.

And Thornley held his place for the famous Grand Final, which saw the Blues come from 44 points down to bury Collingwood.

Ian knew deep-down that his League career was over. “I was physically and mentally worn out. To be truthful, I never came to terms with all the glamour, the publicity and worst of all, the fickle supporters.”

“It was a great thrill to play alongside the likes of Nicholls, Silvagni and Jesaulenko and the like, but you know when you’ve had enough.”

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