Carlton Media reveals the top-five player stats from the Blues' disappointing 24-point loss to Essendon at the MCG on Saturday:

Patrick Cripps
Game-high 10 clearances

Cripps’ 10 clearances against Essendon took him to 185 for the year – the most by any player in a home-and-away season since Brett Ratten in 1999. He had a staggering 38 per cent of Carlton’s total clearances on Saturday, but needed more support around him.

David Cuningham
Game-high six clearances

Cuningham seemed to be everywhere in the final term. In just his third game, the 19-year-old beat everyone on the ground for inside 50s (six) and showed plenty of dash and poise. 

Kade Simpson
Game-high three goal assists

Simpson capped off one of his best seasons in the navy blue with another starring performance. The 32-year-old defender found the footy 35 times and was able to drift forward to devastating effect with a game-high three goal assists.

Sam Docherty
Game-high seven bounces

On a lacklustre afternoon, Docherty provided the Blues with some much-needed spark. The rebounding defender was willing to take the game on, as proven by his game-high seven bounces – three more than Essendon’s total.

Zach Tuohy
Game high 95.8 per cent disposal efficiency

Another half-back who didn’t have his colours lowered, Tuohy had the highest disposal efficiency (95.8 per cent) of any player who had over 10 possessions. The Irishman played his 89^th consecutive game on Saturday and hasn’t missed a game since Round 23, 2012.

Who were your shining lights on a tough afternoon? Vote now in the Hyundai Fans' MVP: www.hyundaiengineroom.com.au