Carlton inducts Koroit export Adrian Gleeson into its hall of fame

Adrian Gleeson was inducted into the Blues' special cohort on Wednesday night.

Gleeson, 55, played 176 games for Carlton over a 10-year VFL career and was part of its 1987 premiership.

The rover also finished eighth in the 1988 Brownlow Medal in just his third season at the elite level.

Gleeson told The Standard it was important to have close Koroit connections in the room at Marvel Stadium when he was inducted.

Friends and past coaches, including senior mentor Paul Stafford and under 18 leader Brian Collins, were on Gleeson's table.

"I think it is very important to acknowledge where I started and growing up in Koroit and playing all my junior footy there and a couple of years in the seniors, it's where it all started for me," he said.

"It was just fun times, playing with your mates, and with the local community you have a strong connection."

Father-of-three Gleeson - uncle to ex-Essendon defender Marty Gleeson and current Port Adelaide midfielder Willem Drew - still makes regular visits to the south-west to throw his support behind Koroit.

"I saw a few games last year but unfortunately I was overseas when the grand final was on but I think I saw four or five of the previous seven (Hampden league premierships)," he said.

"It's been amazing what they've been able to achieve and to keep that group together and evolve."

Steve Madden, who has known Gleeson since childhood and played alongside him at Koroit, was among friends to attend the celebrations on Wednesday night.

He said it was special to watch the best man at his wedding etch himself into Carlton folklore and maintain "a lifetime of support for the Saints".

"I am really proud of him. He has still maintained connection and has an impact on the club - he'll speak at functions, he'll help us with some contacts," Madden said.

On the field Gleeson was always a standout but had "remained incredibly humble".

"Like all good juniors, he was a cut above the rest particularly with his running ability," Madden said.

"He was an All-Australian rep at under 15s and represented Victoria in Teal Cup. He was always a high-performing and successful footballer and an elite runner - he won the junior mile at Stawell.

"He had an x-factor which separated him from the rest of us."

Gleeson played for Carlton between 1986 and 1996 and was on its board for 12 years between 2006-18.

"It's funny to look back on reflection - it goes so quick and was a bit of a blur," he said.

"The things I take away most is obviously the premiership but also the friendships and camaraderie and the fun times we had together and continue to have as well.

"You create this incredible bond at the club, not only with your teammates but the staff and coaches and the committee."

Gleeson said he was honoured to be included in the Blues' hall of fame.

"It's a bit surreal in some aspects of it all but I am just incredibly humbled," he said.

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