In a nutshell
While the Blues won one fewer game than last season, there is strong evidence to be bullish about the future with the plethora of talented youngsters on the list.
Have your say: Give your season verdict on the Blues using the form at the bottom of this article.
What we said in the pre-season
The Blues needed their better and more experienced players to have injury-free seasons. Skipper Marc Murphy, Levi Casboult, Sam Docherty, Bryce Gibbs, Kade Simpson, Jacob Weitering and Matthew Wright played every game and Matthew Kreuzer and Lachie Plowman missed only one, but they could not cover the losses of Patrick Cripps and Ed Curnow in the midfield.
What worked
Plenty. The resurrection of Liam Jones as a key defender was one of the feel-good stories of the season. Caleb Marchbank proved a solid acquisition in the back half and Kreuzer thrived on the workload of carrying the Blues' ruck division. The development and improvement of youngsters such as David Cuningham, Charlie Curnow, Zac Fisher, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Jack Silvagni and Tom Williamson was most pleasing.
What failed
The injuries to Cripps and Ed Curnow late in the season underlined the Blues' lack of depth in the midfield. But their biggest problem remained their inability to kick enough points for a winning score. They failed to top the century in any game.
Overall rating: C-
Although winning only six games, a solid base has been established for the future.
The coach
While the club is still in a developmental phase, it was disappointing to lose so many close games (six matches by under 20 points) and Brendon Bolton has acknowledged he hates honourable defeats. He has brought a defensive mindset in the past two years but scoring needs to become a priority. Under his agreement with the Blues, he is on staff and not tied to a time-sensitive contract.
With the defence sorted, Brendon Bolton needs to prioritise scoring. Picture: AFL Photos
The leaders
The Blues would be pleased with the output of their more experienced players. Murphy, Docherty and Kreuzer were most consistent, Gibbs put in several outstanding performances while Simpson was not as prominent in the second half of the season after a solid start. Missed Cripps and Ed Curnow desperately late in the season with their grunt in the midfield.
MVP
Matthew Kreuzer
Where would the Blues have been without him? Carried a heavy responsibility in the ruck and produced the most consistent season of his career. Should be All Australian ruckman.
Surprise packet
Liam Jones
His career appeared over as he languished in the reserves, but a switch to defence proved a masterstroke, earning a new two-year deal. Looked comfortable and backed himself in marking contests, showing excellent judgment.
Get excited
Charlie Curnow
Has shown enough this season to suggest that he has the ability to become one of the game's brightest stars in the near future. Athletic youngster who takes big marks and has the pedigree to play in the midfield. The next Kouta …
Disappointment
Nick Graham
Given his fair share of opportunities this season, but struggled to have an impact at the elite level. Continues to shine in the VFL, but decision-making and skills found wanting too often in the seniors.
Best win
Round 12: Carlton 10.11 (71) d GWS 9.16 (70) at Etihad Stadium
The Blues outlasted the highly fancied Giants in a thriller. In his 150th game, Kreuzer was outstanding and Jones relished his new defensive role, well supported by Docherty, Simpson and Marchbank.
Low point
The injury to Cripps against Melbourne in round 16. The Blues lost that game narrowly and struggled to cover his absence. They are much better with him in the team.
Patrick Cripps' broken leg was the Blues' lowest point of the season. Picture: AFL Photos
The big questions
Does Carlton re-sign unrestricted free agent Levi Casboult on a new deal or let him go?
Will Bryce Gibbs fulfil his contractual commitment to Carlton or seek a trade again to return home to South Australia?
Can young key forward Harry McKay take the next step and provide a much-needed boost to the Blues' firepower in attack?
Season in a song
Achy Breaky Heart, Billy Ray Cyrus
Premiership window
Just ajar: Slowly building towards a bright future
Who's done?
Retirements: Dennis Armfield
Delistings: TBC
Unsigned free agents: Levi Casboult, Matthew Kreuzer, Kade Simpson, Simon White
How should they approach trade and draft period?
With the same mindset that they have approached the past two years. There will be one more cleanout and they will seek to boost their midfield depth – and maybe pick up another back-up ruckman.
Early call for 2018
Given how close they were in so many games this year, they would be aiming for 10 wins and knocking on the door of the eight.
Blues fans: what's your season verdict?
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Read more
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