IT WAS AN up-and-down season for the Blues in 2024, who ended their campaign on Saturday night after a loss to the Bombers.

Winning four of their 11 games, Carlton struggled to find consistency between games and even between quarters, though there were glimpses of what’s to come for this young Navy Blue side.

Captain Kerryn Peterson spoke following the Essendon loss, and while disappointed with the result, she noted the way her side came out of the gates firing.

“Ultimately, I’m really proud of the way the players put themselves out there—particularly in that first half. We were really in the game, and I thought we competed well against a team bound for finals,” Peterson said.

“It’s a bit of the story of the season, where we show some really good patches of footy, but the inconsistencies are what’s really hurting us in terms of results.”

Carlton’s young midfield core is certainly a strong component of their lineup, with players like Abbie McKay, Keeley Sherar, and Dayna Finn all making strides in their game this year.

Sherar—who will be in the Navy Blue until at least the end of 2027—has been a stalwart in the center of the ground, with Peterson lauding not only her on-field impact but the professional standards that the 21-year-old drives.

“Keeley Sherar has probably taken her game to another level,” she said. “She’s been outstanding in terms of work rate, preparation, and professionalism. She’s really leading the way.”

In her own line, Peterson was impressed by the work of first-year player Meg Robertson, who held her spot in the team after her debut in Week 5.

“When she first came in, she clearly had a lot of talent, but we weren’t really sure where that was going to fit across the season. But she really found a home for herself in the backline,” she said.

“She is awesome to play alongside: she’s so skillful and completely poised under pressure, which is rare for a young kid. I’m really proud of the way she put herself out there this season.”

While they were missing in the final clash of the season, Peterson was quick to praise the hard work shown by her co-vice captains, Mimi Hill and Abbie McKay, throughout the year.

Both Hill and McKay were among Carlton’s best throughout the season, despite both struggling with injury, and led the way on and off the field.

The trio worked well as a leadership collective, and the captain was impressed with how maturely and professionally her co-vice captains embraced their roles.

“I’m so proud of them. When we offered them the opportunity to really step up into a leadership position, they both looked at me with wide eyes and said, ‘Alright, here we go,’” she said.

“The way they’ve thrown themselves into the challenge and opportunity, the way they’ve listened and taken on feedback—they’ve come to the table with a whole heap of ideas and ways they think the direction of the group should go.

“I’m so thankful for their support, I’m so thankful for their leadership, and I know the rest of the group has learned immensely from them this year and leaned on them many times throughout the season.

“It’s really just the beginning for them, and my overwhelming feeling is just how proud I am of them.”