The Blues’ young playing list was faced with a number of challenges in 2018, and as a result, finished the year with fewer wins than previous seasons.

However, the valuable experience gained by first and second-year players, coupled with the resilience built within the team, will no doubt hold the Club in good stead for years to come.

With the side now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton’s No. 29, Cameron Polson.

GAMES

2018: 12
Career: 13

GOALS

2018: 3
Career: 3

BY THE NUMBERS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 91 (7.6) Tackles: 39 (3.3) Pressure acts: 187 (15.8) Inside 50s: 19 (1.6) Score involvements: 26 (2.2)

2018 IN FOCUS

After a solitary game of AFL in his first season, Cameron Polson’s 2018 yielded a dozen games of learning at senior level. His commitment to improving his game saw him re-sign with the Club until 2020.

The second-year Blue played the majority of his year as a small forward, honing his craft for the Northern Blues alongside some midfield minutes.

With back-to-back games in Rounds 2 and 3, Polson returned to the VFL before ultimately playing the last 10 games consecutively. The 20-year-old gained valuable experience at senior level in an extremely young forward line.

Pressure seemed to be the mandate for Polson, who gave unwavering effort each week. He seemed to add to his game each week, showing growth in his game in the Blues’ front half.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Continuing to acclimatise himself to AFL football, Polson’s last performance of 2018 was his best one.

Despite a disappointing team result against Adelaide, Polson’s individual showing was an encouraging one. He kicked multiple goals in a game for the first time, while adding 15 disposals and 20 pressure acts.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

Cameron Polson won’t be forgetting his first goal in AFL football anytime soon — and neither will anyone who witnessed it.

With a leg break to make Shane Warne proud, Polson’s shot from 50m against Hawthorn bounced on its point and remarkably went through the big sticks.