Carlton President: 1980-1983
Ian Rice was a former Melbourne City Councillor who was encouraged to challenge incumbent President George Harris for control of the club in 1980. In a bitter election, Rice ousted Harris, but an unfortunate side effect was the departure as well of senior coach Alex Jesaulenko. Jesaulenko had supported Harris - the man who had appointed him in 1978 - during the electioneering, so when Harris was ousted "Jezza" kept his promise to leave as well. Under Jesaulenko, the Blues had lost only seven of their 42 matches on the way to winning the 1979 premiership, but he stuck to his pledge and walked out on Carlton to coach St Kilda. Former ruckman and club great Peter "Percy" Jones was installed as coach for the 1980 season.
Blueseum: Rice's Blueseum Image Gallery
Ian Rice was a former Melbourne City Councillor who was encouraged to challenge incumbent President George Harris for control of the club in 1980. In a bitter election, Rice ousted Harris, but an unfortunate side effect was the departure as well of senior coach Alex Jesaulenko. Jesaulenko had supported Harris - the man who had appointed him in 1978 - during the electioneering, so when Harris was ousted "Jezza" kept his promise to leave as well. Under Jesaulenko, the Blues had lost only seven of their 42 matches on the way to winning the 1979 premiership, but he stuck to his pledge and walked out on Carlton to coach St Kilda. Former ruckman and club great Peter "Percy" Jones was installed as coach for the 1980 season.
Links
Articles: In the Heat of the NightBlueseum: Rice's Blueseum Image Gallery