Justin Madden

Position: Ruck

Age now: 56

After being recruited to Essendon and playing largely an understudy role to his brother, Simon, Justin made his way to Carlton during the 1983 season. Justin made the most of his time in the spotlight, kicking five goals on debut, starting Blues' fans love affair with Madden. The smiling, happy Madden was a fan-favourite at the Blues for his entire time at Princes Park. In the 1987 Final, he was the stand-alone ruckman, and was one of the best players on the ground. He continued to be a star in the league and also featured prominently in Carlton's 1995 Grand Final win over Geelong.

Justin Madden

Throughout his career he worked with the AFL Players Association, eventually becoming President. When he retired from the game in 1997 he relinquished his role with the AFLPA and worked as an architect. This didn't last long though, and the loveable, intelligent Madden was involved in state politics. Madden won the Legislative Council seat of Doutta Galla Province in the 1999 Victorian election and was a mainstay in state parliament for a decade, even spending time as the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs. With Melbourne hosting the Commonwealth Games, Madden was the man to become Minister for the games, leading the City and the games to a success, with the games being a hit. He lost his seat in the 2010 state election.

Wayne Johnson

Position: Rover

Age now: 59

The Dominator. The name really says all you need to know about Johnson the player. Strong in mind and body, Johnson is one of the Carlton Football Club's best ever players. By the time the 1987 Grand Final had rolled around, Johnson was a three-time Premiership player, two-time Best and Fairest, captain and consistently represented Victoria in the State of Origin. Johnson played at Ruckman, Justin Madden's feet all day and was one of the best players on the ground. Although starring in September wasn't a new thing for Johnson who made September his own throughout his career.

He left his beloved Blues in 1990, with his body showing signs of the tough contests he faced as a player. Johnson went on to coach SANFL club Sturt, then Sebastapol in the Ballarat League. In 1993, he was recruited to coach Brisbane club, Kedron-Grange. He stayed in Brisbane afterward, before returning to Victoria where he stayed in football, serving as a runner for two seasons for Richmond before being let go in the midst of controversy. Johnson was summed up best by former coach, David Parkin:

“‘He had an enormous capacity to pump himself up and get the best out of himself when it mattered. He had a fire in his belly – a passion for the contest like few other players”.

Mark Naley

Position: Rover

Age now: 56

Unlike many recruits Carlton brought in throughout the 80s, Naley was a different case. The VFL was a pitstop between successful stints in The SANFL. 1987 was his first season with the Blues, where he finished equal tenth in the Brownlow Medal. In total he stayed for three seasons, playing 65 games in the Navy Blue. In the 1991 season, he went back to SANFL club, South Adelaide.

In South Australia, Naley is a legend where he has sixteen State of Origin games, a Magarey Medal, two All-Australian honours, along with being a Hall of Fame inductee and a life member of the South Adelaide Football Club. In 2002 he was an inaugural inductee into the South Australian Hall of Fame. He now runs a successful building service in South Australia.

Warren McKenzie

Position: Interchange

Age now: 52

McKenzie joined the Blues as an under-19s player in 1983. He was a successful junior and had made his way into the senior side by 1985. By the time the 1987 Grand Final rolled around, McKenzie was a valuable utility who could plug any hole in the lineup. A perfect interchange player.

Shortly after the Final, he suffered a knee injury which put him out of football for twelve months. Upon returning, McKenzie found himself in the backline where he played reserve and senior level. After the 1990 season, Carlton traded to Sydney for the number two draft pick. McKenzie played two seasons for the Swans before being delisted and returning to Victoria to play for Sandringham. in the VFL. In 2014, Warren's son Reece was drafted by Richmond with the 77th pick.

Adrian Gleeson (left)

Adrian Gleeson

Position: Interchange

Age now: 50

Adrian Gleeson was a relatively fresh face in the Carlton side in the 1987 Grand Final. He joined the club in 1986 and spent most of the year in the reserves. However, when Rod Ashman retired after the 1986 season, it opened a spot for Gleeson to take in the senior side. Gleeson took his chance and ran with it, ended up playing 176 games for the Blues. His milestones included four top-ten finishes in Carlton's Best and Fairest. A great club man, after his role in the senior team he stayed in the reserves and mentored the young Blues coming through. He ended his career with back-to-back Best and Fairest awards with the Reserves in 1996 and 1997. Post-retirement, Gleeson is a successful financial planner. Adrian is still a great club man, having served over a decade on the club's board.

Robert Walls

Robert Walls

Coach

Age now: 66

Robert Walls was a three-time premiership player, and captain for the Blues in his playing career, before ending his football career in Fitzroy. He would eventually be inducted into the AFL and Carlton Hall of Fame, along with the Carlton Team of the Century. Immediately after retirement, he coached the Lions for four seasons. After the 1985 season, Carlton brought Walls back to coach the Blues, with outgoing Carlon coach, David Parkin taking Walls' Fitzroy job. The coaching swap was a unique way of giving both teams a fresh start. Walls was immediately successful with the Blues, taking them to the 1986 Grand Final.

His efforts in keeping the Carlton side focused and motivated throughout the tumultuous 1987 season, combined with his moves in 1987's Grand Final have become folklore around the AFL. It is hard to imagine the Blues winning without Walls at the helm. Walls left the Blues in 1998, before moving on to coaching stints in Brisbane and Richmond. After his coaching day finished, Walls has become a strong media presence in the game. His Carlon Hall of Fame induction was elevated to Legend Status in 2011