Despite winning fewer games this season compared to last, there was a lot to like about Carlton in 2017.
A new brigade of starts shone through, as Caleb Marchbank, Sam Petrevski-Seton, David Cuningham, Jack Silvagni and Charlie Curnow all received Rising Star nominations this season.
The Blues also defended well, and stayed in most games up until the final siren. They scored the least amount of points in the competition, but Brendon Bolton certainly did the right thing by starting in defence. The points will come.
Their wins weren't against average clubs either, as they beat Essendon, Sydney, GWS and a red-hot Hawthorn in the penultimate round.
Close losses against Adelaide, West Coast, Melbourne and Essendon showed just how far they've already come this season, as they were good enough to win at least half of those games.
A number of important players produced some of their more consistent season's, with Sam Docherty, Matthew Kreuzer, Bryce Gibbs and Levi Casboult all leading by example.
Best win:
Fresh off the bye, Carlton were 3-7, and had to host a rampant GWS side that were 9-2, and a game clear in first place.
The match stayed true to the round 12 narrative however, with the Blues leading at every change and claiming a one-point victory in a massive upset.
Kreuzer led from the front with 21 disposals, 33 hitouts and one goal, while Docherty amassed 35 touches and took 12 marks in an impressive display.
Carlton had lost out on multiple close games before that day, but they did enough to hold off the Giants when it mattered.
Worst loss:
When Carlton travelled to Adelaide in round five for their only Friday night game of the season, fans were hoping they could pinch a result against a Power side who had split their opening four games.
However, the Blues could only manage two goals in the opening three quarters, and didn't even score in the third term.
Carlton trailed by 79 points at the final stage, before ultimately going down by 90 points.
Forward Levi Casboult kicked four of Carlton's six, as Patrick Cripps led an outclassed midfield with 37 disposals.
Most improved:ย Liam Jones
Initially, Charlie Curnow was going to win this award, but the season had by forward-turned-defender Liam Jones just couldn't be passed up.
Jones played his first match of the season in the Blues win over the Giants, and impressed with 14 disposals and eight marks, and kept GWS forwards Jeremy Cameron and Jonathan Patton quiet.
A week later he did the same on Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch, and kept him goalless for just the third time since round 15, 2015.
Over his 12 games in 2017, Jones averaged 11 one percenters, more than any other player in the competition.
He was rewarded with a two-year deal midway through July, and his transformation from fringe player to important defender was certainly a highlight for Blues fans this season.
Best and fairest: Sam Docherty/Matthew Kreuzer
Docherty's year was capped off with a spot in the All-Australian backline, and the 23-year-old certainly deserved his spot.
He averaged 27.9 disposals, 9.1 marks, 5.7 rebound 50s and 3.3 tackles from 22 games this season, and was one of the Blues' most consistent players all year.
The defender took the most marks in the competition with 199, and was ranked third for rebound 50s.
Docherty's main challenge will come from Matthew Kreuzer, as well as veterans Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs.
What the off-season could look like:
The Blues have an important off-season coming up, as GWS Giant Josh Kelly has been linked with Carlton for most of the season.
Widely rated as one of the best young players in the competition, Kelly could bring some added class and skill to the Blues' midfield, and would fit in perfectly with their development.
The future of Bryce Gibbs will also need to be secured, after the South Australian requested a trade back to Adelaide at the end of last season, with Blues fans hoping that situation doesn't arise once again.
The signature of free agent Levi Casboult on Friday was a big boost for Carlton, as they continue to keep a strong blend of youth and experience.
They'll have the third pick in the draft, and given their success with Rising Star nominees this season, we'll back the Blues to make another smart selection early in the draft.
2018 crystal ball:
Carlton have set strong foundations for the future, although 2018 will be a pivotal year for their development.
Given it seems like they've progressed on the field despite their win tally, next season will need to see them translate their performances into results.
They'll hang around in games longer and hopefully turn some losses into wins, as the Blues will be aiming for 8-10 wins and a spot on the ladder around 10-12th.
