Who was Ted Hopkins? Carlton premiership legend and Champion Data founder Dies at 74

Carlton Football Club mourns the loss of one of its revered champions, Ted Hopkins, who passed away at the age of 74.

A pivotal figure in the club’s history, Hopkins played a crucial role in Carlton’s triumphant 1970 VFL premiership.

Hopkins, initially a rover-turned-forward, left an indelible mark on the 1970 decider against Collingwood. In a breathtaking second-half revival, he emerged from the bench to spark a remarkable turnaround, overcoming a 44-point deficit.

His exceptional performance saw him score three of Carlton’s seven goals in a phenomenal 10-minute burst at the start of the third quarter, ultimately leading the Blues to victory by 10 points in front of a record crowd of 121,696.

Coached by the legendary Ron Barassi, Hopkins’s inclusion into the game initiated what remains the most significant recovery in a grand final in VFL/AFL history.

The image of Hopkins being chaired off the field symbolizes not only his personal triumph but also the collective spirit that defined Carlton’s historic win.

Hopkins’s impact was profound, considering it was only his 28th senior VFL appearance for the Blues, and he retired before his 21st birthday.

His sportsmanship extended beyond the football field; prior to his football career, Hopkins showcased his talent as a two-time Australian junior water skiing champion, highlighting his prowess as a versatile athlete.

Drafted from Moe in the Latrobe Valley, Hopkins’s legacy extends beyond his playing days. He is remembered as a Carlton icon and a key member of the 1970 premiership squad.

Unfortunately, he joins Vin Waite (2003), Sergio Silvagni (2021), and Neil Chandler (2022) as the fourth player from that legendary team to pass away.

Ted Hopkins is survived by his daughter Erica, who fondly paid tribute to her father on the Carlton website.