How often has Carlton's Adam Cerra hit an aggressive kick with his opposite foot under pressure from the boundary to inside the centre square across the halfback line?
How many times did Francis Evans lace out a teammate inside 50?
The skill level of the Blues has taken major strides towards becoming the best in the competition under the direction of caretaker Josh Fraser.
In the last 10 games, according to WheeloRatings, Carlton has the fourth-highest disposal retention rate (72.8 per cent), narrowly behind Fremantle (74.6 per cent), North Melbourne (74.4 per cent) and St Kilda (73 per cent).
They are second for retention per kick (59.6) and third for threat per kick (24.1). As a result, the Blues have improved their overall kicking efficiency to fifth in the AFL.
Over the years, the Blues have been slammed for their ball use and decision-making, especially when attacking the opposition.
Last year, their kicking efficiency was the second worst in the competition (63.3 per cent). They were 13th for disposal retention and kicking retention.
| Last 10 games | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Disposal Retention (%) | 72.8 (4th) | 63.3 (17th) | 69.1 (12th) | 69.3 (10th) |
| Kicking retention | 59.6 (2nd) | 56.1 (13th) | 56.4 (14th) | 55.7 (11th) |
| Threat kicking | 24.1 (3rd) | 24.1 (3rd) | 23.2 (12th) | 23.1 (11th) |
| Retention rating | 2.91 (5th) | 0.67 (11th) | -0.79 (13th) | -1.09 (13th) |
In 2024, the Blues ranked 12th for disposal retention, which was a dip from the year before at 10th.
To summarise, Carlton had consistently been in the double digits, and struggled to gain ascendancy through effective and efficient ball use.
Now the story has changed.
Where has the improvement come from?
Blake Acres (16.9 per cent improvement), who was out of favour under Michael Voss, has earned his spot in the senior side, and you can see why.
His use by foot has been refined at an extraordinary rate, using the last 10 weeks compared to the 2025 season.
| Last 10 games (%) | 2025 (%) | Difference (in %) | |
| Blake Acres | 70.2 | 53.3 | 16.9 |
| George Hewett | 69 | 59.4 | 9.6 |
| Harry McKay | 72.3 | 61.3 | 9 |
| Sam Walsh | 69.4 | 59.5 | 8.9 |
| Francis Evans | 70.7 | 63.9 | 6.8 |
| Nick Haynes | 78.9 | 73.4 | 5.5 |
| Adam Cerra | 65.5 | 62.5 | 3 |
The same can be said for key forward Harry McKay (9 per cent) as well as midfielders Sam Walsh (8.9), George Hewett (9.6) and Adam Cerra (3).
Francis Evans and Nick Haynes have also been distributing the ball much better under the direction of Fraser.
Fraser has all but led the club to a shock Wildcard Round appearance after securing 10 victories in his 12 as senior coach.
Carlton now has an identifiable brand of football that can contend with rivals in the competition, as well as to allow its players to play to their strengths and flourish.
Their transition from one end to the other rivals flag fancies Brisbane and Sydney this year, ranking third (25.6) in the competition.
It's been a major shift from how they previously played, and what makes the Blues difficult to plan for and predict on game day. Just ask Brisbane.
A win in the final fortnight of the home and away season will lock up the unlikeliest of finals appearances, and as most of the dozen games under Fraser, who knows what's in store for Carlton.
