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Carlton will finish their 150th year with a lot of what ifs, however there was plenty to take way from season 2014.
They finished with a record of seven wins, 14 losses and a draw and a bottom six ladder position. The pre-season assumption that it was a disappointing season would be a likely conclusion.
However the second half of the season has shown that Carlton can match it with the better teams and are at a stage where smart decisions at the trade table and a pre-season with no injuries can be the catalyst for a run at the finals next year.
Positives
At the start of the season, Sam Rowe was looking down the barrel of being delisted. Come the end of the season, he has been the most improved player at the club and potentially in the league.
The 26-year-old has not just taken on the best forwards in the competition, but beaten them on more occasions than not. His transformation from the start of the season to the end was seen with his ability to hit targets by foot and hand and continually take intercept marks.
Having held down a key position back, it has given Carlton the ability to now play Lachie Henderson as a key forward.
Bryce Gibbs for so long has been the whipping boy of Carlton supporters. Used across half-back, the general consensus that the best of Gibbs would be as a permanent midfielder.
Not only did Gibbs show that he is a genuine A-grade midfielder, he also showed that he can hit the scoreboard and become a dangerous resting forward.
When it comes to the best and fairest, expect Gibbs to claim his first John Nichols medal.
Chris Judd was going to call an end to his illustrious career after a slow start to the season due to injury, but the champion showed his class with a superb second half of the season. The fact that he will go around again next year will be great for the club and the AFL in general.
Levi Casboult may be the most promising key forward in the league. With hands that are vice like, the key forward will be hoping for a big pre-season in the gym and on the track to work on his kicking for goal that will be vitally important in his attempt to be a 50 goal key forward.
The second half of the season showed everyone at Carlton that their best is very good, but the tendency to have periods of average football is the reason why they have finished where they are and not playing finals football next week. Another pre-season under Malthouse a refining the game plan will only help.
Negatives
Missing out on finals is always a negative, yet there were few other negatives that are a real cause for concern.
If there was ever a game the symbolised Carlton’s season, it was Saturday. They had a blistering first quarter, an average second quarter and start to the third before a spirited fight back that should have ended in a win.
If Carlton is to become a genuine finals contender next year, the difference between their best and worst must be one to two goals a quarter and not six or seven.
Two losses by a kick against Geelong and a last-minute loss against Fremantle showed that they can match it with the best, but costly errors and an inability to win crucial contests were the difference.
Better ball use and an ability to maximise scoring opportunities will be a key area for improvement next season.
Time to take the next step
To take any step up the ladder, it takes three to four players to become A-grade players and be able to win matches off their own boot.
Chris Yarran has the ability to break open games with his pace and skills by foot.
Yet he too often drifts out of games due to a lack of fitness. The pre-season will be a defining one for Yarran. If he can stay injury free and realise his potential, then Carlton will have one of the most dangerous players in the competition.
Dale Thomas was one of the games most elite runners at Collingwood until injury took toll. Towards the end of the season, Thomas looked to be getting back the fitness needed to run out matches.
With an injury free pre-season and another year at Carlton, it will be hoped that the free agent will be back to his best. If he can, then Carlton will have made a wise decision in recruiting the former number two draft pick.
Troy Menzel will be entering his third season in the AFL, but the young forward has the ability to become one of the best small to medium sized forwards in the competition.
Menzel has elite hands and a great goal sense. There is no reason why he cannot kick 40 goals next season.
Trade table
Jarred Waite is a free agent and can leave. If this is the case, then it will be disappointing for Carlton, however may be a blessing in disguise. The movement will free up salary cap room to keep the youth or go and get an out of contract youngster.
The two that represent themselves are Kristian Jaksch and Jonathan O’Rourke. Both are out of contract at the GWS and with the right offer can offer, can be seen in the navy blue next year.
O’Rourke was pick two and Jaksch was pick 12 in the 2012 draft. Both have struggled with injuries, but were highly rated. If Waite does leave, then Jaksch should be able to fill the void in the future either up forward or down back.
O’Rourke is a polished midfielder and should Waite stay, then O’Rourke can add depth to a midfield that does have plenty of class and cover for the retirement of Judd in a year or two.
To get either of these two, it may require the trading of pick five or six and one of Garlett and Robinson. Both players do have currency despite not playing in the last six games of the season.
Garlett kicked 43 goals last season and GWS do lack a small forward. Robinson does have his faults, but can add experience and a hard edge to a young midfield.
Robert Warnock had the chance to cement his spot as the number one ruckman with Kreuzer out for the season, yet seems to be at the cross roads.
Despite being good at the art of ruckwork, he struggles to influence around the ground and impact the scoreboard. With Port Adelaide crying out for a second ruckman, a trade to South Australia may be on the cards.
The players that will be on the chopping block include Dennis Armfield, Kane Lucas, Tom Temay, Andrew McInnes, David Ellard and Cameron Giles.
Overall
There is no doubt that Carlton will be disappointed in not making the finals after last season.
However if they can take the momentum from the second half of the season into the pre-season and early next year, then a finals spot next year is very much a possibility.
The question is, will Carlton be ruthless enough with their decision making in order to make this happen.
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