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Former Carlton powerbrokers John Elliott, Bruce Mathieson and Richard Pratt.

Series

The 30-year Blues

Thirty years on from Carlton’s last premiership, our three-part investigation examines how they turned from a power club into one that won wooden spoons rather than finals.

5 stories
Former Carlton coaches Mick Malthouse and Denis Pagan.

‘An absolute nightmare’: Sacked Carlton coaches reveal the depth of turmoil during dark era

Carlton’s 30-year premiership drought is second only to St Kilda among clubs that joined the competition before 1995. This is the first of a three-part investigation into why one of the AFL’s biggest clubs has been starved of success.

  • Jake Niall
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Former Carlton powerbrokers John Elliott, Bruce Mathieson and Richard Pratt.
  • The 30-year Blues

Politics, pokies and power: The secret meetings and messy exits among Carlton’s elite

It’s 30 years since Carlton’s most recent flag. In the second part of an in-depth investigation, we reveal a secret approach to a master coach from the house of Raheen.

  • Jake Niall
Carlton great Stephen Silvagni.
  • 30-year Blues

‘Without fear or favour’: Ex-Carlton bosses disagree on Silvagni exit

In a year in which the Blues celebrate the 30th anniversary of their 1995 premiership, SOS – the full-back of the century who eclipsed both Wayne Carey and Gary Ablett snr in the ’95 finals – remains in exile from the club that is synonymous with his family.

  • Jake Niall
Denis Pagan explains the turmoil at Carlton during his time there as coach.
Video icon3:34

‘An absolute nightmare’

Denis Pagan explains the turmoil at Carlton during his time there as coach.

Mick Malthouse on when he knew his time was up as Carlton coach.
Video icon3:02

‘That was the end’

Mick Malthouse on when he knew his time was up as Carlton coach.

Other series

The Sydney Central Business District, Sydney Harbour and Eastern Suburbs and surrounds are seen on 18 February 2025, in Sydney, Australia from a commercial airliner. Picture - Sam Mooy / The Sydney Morning Herald

Life in the burbs

We’re celebrating Sydney’s suburbs and local writers have been penning pieces about the neighbourhoods they know best. Read all their stories here.

  • 8 stories
Australia's declining fertility rate.

Australia’s baby bust

The fertility rate in Australia is at a record low. We explore why we’re having fewer babies – and what that means for the country’s future.

  • 15 stories