Collo offers Elliott Optus invite
03 March 2005 Herald Sun
Mark Robinson
CARLTON president Ian Collins is poised to end the bitter two-year stand-off with John Elliott by inviting him back to the Blues.
It's understood a mutual friend, Peter Scanlon, a former AFL Commissioner, has tried to broker a peace deal between the two powerful and outspoken Blues identities.
Collins and Elliott have not spoken – other than muffled hellos – since Elliott and his board resigned in November, 2002, leaving Collins and his Carlton One ticket to take control of club.
Collins last night confirmed Elliott, whose name he took off the Legends Stand in 2004, would be invited to Optus Oval as part of the last game celebration against Melbourne in Round 9.
"We will inviting John back to Carlton at some stage," Collins said.
"People may think it's stupid, but life moves on.
"But it will happen. I don't know if it's an olive branch from me, but let's rule a line under it and move forward . . . I'm sick of looking back."
Elliott, who is the focus of a 60 Minutes documentary to be screened shortly, was at Optus Oval on Monday for filming.
In a move believed to have pleased Elliott, the Blues gave him permission to film on the ground, where he was greeted by several club employees.
Elliott learnt of Collins' invitation late last week and was understood to be warm to the idea. But last night he was non-committal.
"I'm not saying anything until I get the invitation," he said.
There is lingering bitterness between the pair, but Collins stressed the importance of moving forward.
"I don't want this to be a public discussion, but the club's always bigger than the individual," Collins said.
"We will be inviting everyone back, anyone who has played or who has been on the committee. We will write to everyone concerned and they can pick as they see fit."
Asked the significance of Elliott's invitation, Collins said: "It's a general invitation to everyone for the last home game, whether it's (former board directors) Kevin Hall or Barry Stones, (former chief executive) John Gurrieri, what's it matter."
It's believed Elliott and Collins will have a chance to catch up before the Round 9 clash. Long-time friend, Sam Kekovich, has invited Elliott to the Kangaroos president's dinner for the match against Carlton in Round 1.
Elliott and Collins worked together at Carlton for 11 years as president and chief executive respectively, before Collins became AFL football operations manager.
In 2002, Elliott and members of his board were named in a salary cap scandal that led to a $1 million fine and draft sanctions being imposed on the Blues by the AFL.
Amid claims of legal action being taken against Elliott and Co, Elliott resigned on November 12.
03 March 2005 Herald Sun
Mark Robinson
CARLTON president Ian Collins is poised to end the bitter two-year stand-off with John Elliott by inviting him back to the Blues.
It's understood a mutual friend, Peter Scanlon, a former AFL Commissioner, has tried to broker a peace deal between the two powerful and outspoken Blues identities.
Collins and Elliott have not spoken – other than muffled hellos – since Elliott and his board resigned in November, 2002, leaving Collins and his Carlton One ticket to take control of club.
Collins last night confirmed Elliott, whose name he took off the Legends Stand in 2004, would be invited to Optus Oval as part of the last game celebration against Melbourne in Round 9.
"We will inviting John back to Carlton at some stage," Collins said.
"People may think it's stupid, but life moves on.
"But it will happen. I don't know if it's an olive branch from me, but let's rule a line under it and move forward . . . I'm sick of looking back."
Elliott, who is the focus of a 60 Minutes documentary to be screened shortly, was at Optus Oval on Monday for filming.
In a move believed to have pleased Elliott, the Blues gave him permission to film on the ground, where he was greeted by several club employees.
Elliott learnt of Collins' invitation late last week and was understood to be warm to the idea. But last night he was non-committal.
"I'm not saying anything until I get the invitation," he said.
There is lingering bitterness between the pair, but Collins stressed the importance of moving forward.
"I don't want this to be a public discussion, but the club's always bigger than the individual," Collins said.
"We will be inviting everyone back, anyone who has played or who has been on the committee. We will write to everyone concerned and they can pick as they see fit."
Asked the significance of Elliott's invitation, Collins said: "It's a general invitation to everyone for the last home game, whether it's (former board directors) Kevin Hall or Barry Stones, (former chief executive) John Gurrieri, what's it matter."
It's believed Elliott and Collins will have a chance to catch up before the Round 9 clash. Long-time friend, Sam Kekovich, has invited Elliott to the Kangaroos president's dinner for the match against Carlton in Round 1.
Elliott and Collins worked together at Carlton for 11 years as president and chief executive respectively, before Collins became AFL football operations manager.
In 2002, Elliott and members of his board were named in a salary cap scandal that led to a $1 million fine and draft sanctions being imposed on the Blues by the AFL.
Amid claims of legal action being taken against Elliott and Co, Elliott resigned on November 12.
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