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
Jordan Boyd was picked up in the 2021 mid-season draft and pulled on the boots at the senior level for the first time in Round 3 against Hawthorn.
Boyd then added six more games to his tally, getting better with each senior outing, before suffering a foot injury that saw him miss the remainder of the season.
In his seven games, Boyd showcased his pinpoint kicking - a skill that was his main weapon when the Blues drafted him - as well as his efforts defensively to lock down on his man.
Always willing to join the contest and put his head over the ball, Boyd’s ability to win the ball in the back half and find a teammate further afield made him a reliable player with plenty of upside.
2022 in numbers
Boyd averaged 11 disposals per game, with most of his damage being done by foot, where he averaged 226 metres per game.
He also provided 4.3 intercepts per game, placing himself in the right position to make an impact on the play, as was evidenced with a courageous mark against Adelaide in Round 8.
On-field highlight
Boyd’s best game came in Round 14 against Richmond, where he well and truly started to find his feet at the highest level.
In his fifth game of AFL football, Boyd gathered 16 disposals, shining on a wet night at the MCG: 10 of his possessions were contested, while he also laid five tackles.
Boyd also contributed three rebound 50s and three inside 50s, using his penetrating kicking to get the ball to the right spot: a final-quarter assist for Harry McKay was the pick of the bunch.
Off-field highlight
As a late inclusion for Adam Saad, Boyd debuted in Round 3 on the MCG – a dream for any footy fan growing up.
Surrounded by family and friends, Boyd was presented with his jumper from Carlton Hall of Famer Lance Whitnall, who urged the debutant to put it all on the line for the Carlton Football Club.
Receiving his guernsey and his post-game Powerade shower with close mate - and former Footscray teammate - Lewis Young, it’s safe to say Boyd won’t be forgetting his AFL debut anytime soon.
In their own words
Speaking to Triple M before the Round 15 clash, Boyd speaks on his relatively short journey in football and how lucky he feels to be playing at the highest level.
“[In 2016], I wasn’t even getting games in seniors at ‘Spotty’: I was just playing reserves and 18s. The coach luckily gave me a chance and I played well,” Boyd said.
“That’s honestly the highest I ever thought I’d get — it’s probably the highest anyone thought I’d ever get.
“I got invited down to Footscray [VFL] for a pre-season, was unlucky not to get a contract straight away but someone left and a spot opened up. I played one game and then the rest of the year, and now we’re here."
