Alex Jesaulenko collection up for auction

Four premiership medals are among the vast collection of football memorabilia one of Carlton’s favourite sons and football playing icon Alex Jesaulenko is auctioning from 5pm on Thursday through Leski Auctions at 13 Cato Street, Hawthorn.

Well remembered for his “mark of the century” over Collingwood ruckman Graeme Jenkin during the 1970 VFL Grand Final, Jesaulenko was instrumental in Carlton’s (which was down by 44 points at half time) famous come from behind victory.

Jesaulenko starred in four Carlton Grand Final victories – 1968, 1970, 1972 and 1979 (when he was captain-coach) – and was the club’s leading goal kicker in 1969 (66 goals), 1970 (115) and 1971 (56), best and fairest in 1975 and club captain in 1974-5.

In the 1972 Grand Final, Jesaulenko cemented his place in football folklore when he took on the might of the Essendon team to kick six goals in just 11 minutes of brilliance during the second quarter to virtually ensure a Carlton victory.

In 1996, he was named on a half forward flank in the AFL’s Team of the 20^th Century and in 2008 officially sanctioned as an AFL Legend.

The auction contains many of Jesaulenko’s favourite football memorabilia including early trophies and medals and scrapbooks he compiled from 1966 to 1982.

There also are several blazers and jumpers he wore during his playing days, the match football he used to score his 100^th goal during the 1970 season and the Carlton life member’s badge he received in 1974.