THE first season under AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss will go down as one to remember and one of transformation for the Carlton Football Club.
It was a year where a number of Carlton players enjoyed breakthrough seasons, whether that was a key milestone, a landmark achievement, the start of a journey or a career-best campaign.
Year in review
For the first time in his six-year career, Zac Fisher managed to get through the year unscathed and played all 22 games in 2022.
Alternating his time between the forward line as well as rotating through the midfield, Fisher was able to use his speed, evasive skills and sharp left foot to bring both himself and his teammates into the game.
Producing some game-winning goals of his own boot, Fisher showcased his exciting brand of footy, bringing the crowd to their feet as well as receiving an AFL Goal of the Year nomination for a snap from the boundary against Port Adelaide.
Being an integral part of a new-age Carlton 'mosquito fleet’, Fisher’s pressure and fancy footwork has held him in good stead, having a career-best season on a number of fronts.
2022 in numbers
The highest number of goals Fisher had previously kicked in a season was nine. He doubled that in 2022.
This was the year that Fisher came into his own as a pressure forward that could also play key minutes in the midfield, largely on the back of the consistency of concurrent games under his belt.
As well as hitting the scoreboard in his own right, Fisher also averaged five score involvements and three inside 50s per game, ensuring his teammates had the best opportunity in front of goal.
Rotating through the midfield and half forward, Fisher averaged 19 disposals per game, with a career-best 29 disposals in the Round 15 win against Fremantle.
On-field highlight
It would be hard to pick one of Fisher’s game-winning goals as a highlight, particularly given the crowd noise was deafening after both his final-quarter goal in Round against the Tigers or his sealer in Round 10 against the Swans.
Both goals came on the run for Fisher, who used his composure and class to secure a goal in clutch moments of both games to bring the collective crowd to its feet.
Off-field highlight
Fisher showed his faith in the direction of the Club - and the Club's faith in him - by choosing to extend his contract until at least the end of 2025.
Despite having over a year left on his current deal, Fisher noted his connection at the Club that he has called home since being drafted in 2016, saying it was a "no brainer" when decided to extend his contract after the work he has put in at IKON Park.
In his own words
Speaking on his improved season before the Round 20 clash, Fisher said that having a full pre-season made all the difference in his performance.
“I think the key to my year this year has been my versatility. I’ve been playing a bit of wing, a bit of midfield and small forward, so just being able to be used wherever ‘Vossy’ wants me and being able to do my job for the team," he said.
“The body is holding up, which is allowing me to get the full benefit out of pre-season.
“I think it’s year six or seven now, so back-to-back pre-seasons are always nice and it’s always great to get 'Vossy' and Ash Hansen working with us.”
