WHILE Carlton’s winning run came to an end, there were a number of positives for a number of those in Navy Blue.

The Blues beat the Eagles in the contested possession and clearance stakes, but fell short by 24 points on the scoreboard.

Which individual Blues shone against the reigning premiers?

Harry stands tall

With 18 disposals, a career-best 11 marks and a team-high seven score involvements, it was an impressive showing from Carlton’s No.10.

Pitted against a premiership defence, Harry McKay stood up against the Eagles — a defensive unit which ranks third in the AFL for least points conceded.

Leading up the ground and providing a valuable outlet, the 21-year-old continued to add to his breakthrough season which sees him ranked No.1 at the Club for marks, contested marks and goals.

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Despite inaccuracy in recent weeks, his goal in the final term - where he marked, baulked around Will Schofield and slotted from just inside 50 - was a sign of his capability in front of the big sticks.

Jacob nullifies Josh

In the absence of Liam Jones, the question was asked how the Carlton defensive unit would stack up.

Fortunately for those in Navy Blue, Jacob Weitering played a leading role.

Pitted against Josh Kennedy, Weitering had his hands full, with the West Coast veteran coming into the game on the back of a seven-goal performance.

However, with five spoils and six intercept possessions, Weitering restricted Kennedy to just one last-quarter goal.

He received a helping hand from defensive partner Lachie Plowman, who recorded 12 spoils in yesterday’s game: the second-most of anyone in the competition on the weekend.

Unlikely duo on song

If you asked which two players would contribute seven of Carlton’s 11 goals on the weekend, the combination of Michael Gibbons and Nic Newman wouldn’t have been close to the top of the pile.

However, the duo continued to show why they have been more than astute pick-ups for the Blues in 2019.

Despite once again leading the Blues for metres gained across half back, it was Newman’s attacking work which featured most prominently on the weekend. On a memorable personal day for the defender, he kicked four classy goals from the arc: comfortably a career-best.

Meanwhile, Gibbons once again continued to build on the form of recent weeks, marking the six straight week of hitting the scoreboard.

With his first batch of three goals at senior level, the mature-age recruit has made the most of his time at senior level in recent months.

Sam continues to shine

Enough has been said about Sam Walsh’s performance against the Eagles: his Goal of the Year nomination says it all.

However, his namesake continues to go about his business in a new position.

For the third straight week, Sam Petrevski-Seton collected over 20 disposals across half back, operating at over 95 per cent efficiency in the process.

Petrevski-Seton has relished his new role in recent weeks, combining his smooth moves with his football smarts: eight of his 22 disposals on the weekend were intercept possessions.

First goal quirk

This could be one of the weirder - and more pointless - stats to include, but we’ll put it in here anyway.

Is it an omen when Carlton kicks the first goal of the game?

On the weekend, the Blues opened the scoring for the eighth time in 2019: they’ve lost six of those eight games.

Compare that to the last eight rounds: Carlton has a 4-2 record when conceding the opening goal.