Carlton's season is over, and it wasn't just yesterday's game that caused them to fall short of the mark; it was a season of sliding doors.
Carlton didn't need to wait until yesterday. They had an opportunity to seal their fate weeks ago.
In true Carlton fashion, they bowed out. But it took more than just four quarters on Sunday to draw their season to a close.
Round 1, Thursday 17th March. Carlton vs Richmond. The crowd is ready, and there is something in the air. We are in for a hell of a season.
Half-time and the momentum is with Carlton.
Suddenly, Richmond is back and controls the game. It is a 20-point deficit in the final quarter,ย Richmond dominates and the Blues aren't ready to take the next step.
Suddenly momentum swings, and they have the chance at their fingertips. Skipper Patrick Cripps leads his team over the line as they churned out a 25-point win. The song sounds around the G, and it seems as if Carlton will have a fighting chance this season.
But where did the Baggers go wrong? What was the sliding door moment that changed their season?
Percentage ended up costing the club, and there were several instances where the Blues seemingly took their foot off the gas...
Round 3 - Hawthorn
The Blues had a near 20-point lead in the last quarter, yet they couldn't take advantage of their momentum and instead allowed it to shift to the Hawks, withย Jack Gunston a part of a three-goal run that the Blues' defence could not stop.
The Bagger's fought tooth and nail to ensure they secured the victory. One point to get the four points, yet it cost them a higher percentage to help them clinch a spot in the eight.
Round 5 - Port Adelaide
Carlton went into half-time with a 50-point lead. It became a matter of controlling the game. Yet, once again, with no leadership in defence, they conceded six goals and only managed to claim one of their own in the third quarter.
The final term became a matter of holding on and watching the time run out.
Another game where Calton's defence couldn't hold up and prevented a percentage-boosting game.
Games that cost Carlton the percentage were not the only roadblock for their path to finals. After Round 10 the Blues were 8-2. Not quite halfway through the season, yet finals are looking promising.
Round 11 - Collingwood
Charlie Curnow was the shining light that looked to lead the way to victory.
Yet, they couldn't get it done and failed to convert a run of their own.
Oliver Henry from the Pies stopped the momentum and ruined any chance that Carlton had on the day.
Round 16 - St Kilda
A loss that shouldn't have happened.
The Saints were coming off two damning defeats to a struggling Essendon outfit and against Sydney the week after, with St Kilda snapping their cold run against the Blues in Round 16.
Each little loss has added up for the Blues, and this was one they've been left to rue big time.
Round 20 - Adelaide
A trip to South Australia loomed as the most likely opportunity for the Blues to strengthen their top eight chances heading into the final month of their season, but it emerged as anything but a cakewalk for Carlton.
The 29-point loss suddenly left Blues fans nervous for what was still to come, with matchups against the Lions, Demons and Magpies on the horizon.
Looking back now, the loss to Adelaide was arguably the biggest misstep in Carlton's 2022 season.
Rounds 22 - Melbourne
As the season went on, Round 22 shaped out to be one of their biggest games. Carlton had a chance to step up and be part of the eight, or tumble further.
It's Saturday night at the 'G. Carlton's finals hopes on the line, and Melbourne needs a top-four finish.
The Blues missed three opportunities in the last quarter to extend their lead and their finals fate.
Even with missing goals, they had a chance to take the next step. There was no key defender stepping up in the dying minutes.
Eventually, it lead to Jake Melksham, who swung the game in the Demons' favour.
Carlton could not move the ball seamlessly from attack to defence and made little mistakes along the way. A lack of leadership from across the field cost Carlton the chance to secure a finals spot.
Round 23 - Do or Die
There was one more chance to save their season as it was hanging on by a thread. A win was all they needed.
Three-quarter time comes around, and finals are 30 minutes away. A 25-point lead into the final quarter should buy them enough time to hang on. Yet, Collingwood is fighting too.
It is a do-or-die mentality for the players to find who wanted it more.
The lead wasn't enough to save their season. Fans, players and coaches left heartbroken and distraught.
The Blues continued to let teams gain momentum during crucial moments in the season, and with their backs to the wall, they failed to hold up when it mattered most.
In times of need, there was no leadership, and no player stepped up to make the needed match-winning decisions.
Every top-eight team has these players. The intercept marking and kick and carry skills that preserve and extend leads. Carlton needs leadership from their back third who ensures the four points can be secured weekly.
The Blues season ended going up in flames, yet there is nothing stopping this from occurring again.
There needs to be a change to ensure their finals spot is clinched prior to Round 23.
