FOR the best part of two decades, Alan Garden Memorial Reserve has remained Brad Carroll’s footballing home.
Only when the big-time came knocking in 2000 when Carroll played 21 reserves games for Carlton and when a change of scenery netted a Golden Rivers Football League flag with Ultima did Tyntynder’s favourite son wear another club’s jumper.
Carroll’s loyalty will be rewarded tomorrow when he plays his 300th game for the Bulldogs.
The big Bulldog’s career has been littered with highlights.
Most notably Carroll has spearheaded four senior premierships, with the Golden Rivers’ Roos in 2003 and at his beloved Bulldogs in 1997/98/99.
The four flags are complemented by junior success as captain and best and fairest of the Dogs’ under 13s side in 1991 and as a member of Tyntynder’s under 15s flag in 1993.
By 1995, his potential was being noticed, with Carroll awarded the then Mid Murray Football League’s under 17s best and fairest.
For more on Brad Carroll’s extraordinary career see Friday’s edition of The Guardian (July 25, 2014).
