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 

In his fourth year at the Blues, Matt Cottrell showcased his best football so far at the highest level, making a real impact down the wing with his running ability.

Playing a career-high 18 games for the season, the 22-year old averaged 14.8 disposals per game and was a valuable asset on the outside, providing an option for the inside ball-winners and becoming a link between offence and defence.

Returning the confidence that the Club has shown him, the boyhood Bluebagger signed on for an additional two years, extending his stay after arriving at the Club as a supplemental selection period signing in early 2019.

2022 in numbers 

Playing 18 games was a testament to how much Cottrell’s game had improved from 2021. 

Starting his pre-season campaign with another stellar showing in the two-kilometre time trial, Cottrell did his best work on the wing, averaging 235 metres gained per game. 

His ability to push forward aggressively yielded a career-best return on the scoreboard, contributing nine goals (all after Round 13).

On-field highlight 

In his first game of the season, Cottrell showed in Round 5 why he deserved his spot, playing every game for the remainder of the season.

Gathering 22 disposals, eight marks, six contested possessions and five tackles, Cottrell was a much-needed presence on the wing – especially when Port Adelaide mounted a comeback. 

Cottrell produced some vital intercept marking that helped his side regain control of the ball, finishing in a tight three-point victory. 

Off-field highlight  

Ending 2021 delisted and put on the rookie list, it was a show of faith for Cottrell - and reward for effort - when he was offered a two-year contract that saw him elevated to the senior list. 

For Cottrell, it was a testament to his hard work at both the AFL and VFL level, proving himself a valuable member of the side. 

Signing on the dotted line post-season, it was a very different look to where Cottrell was 12 months prior. 

In their own words  

Speaking at the end of the 2022 season, Cottrell spoke on the pressure of having a one-year contract and how much the new deal means to him. 

“You ride the highs and lows a bit when you’re on the one-year contracts. If you have a bad game, you think ‘that could be it’… if you have a good game, you’re going ‘I might be going well here’.

“I haven’t faced a two-year deal yet, but hopefully I can feel comfortable and put a good year together.”