A CARLTON quintet showed the way forward on Saturday night — pardon the pun.

Alongside the ever-present Matthew Wright, the Blues’ forward setup during the win against the Suns was an eye to the future.

Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay, Jarrod Pickett, Cameron Polson and Jack Silvagni all contributed to the victory. All of them are aged 21 or under. And all of them arrived at Ikon Park in the last three seasons.

It would stack up as one of Carlton’s youngest attacking formations in its 154-year history. 

Much has been made of Carlton’s 2015 national draft, where Curnow, McKay and Silvagni were all brought to the Club. 

Tasked with being the three talls against the Suns, their still-developing chemistry showed some signs which will have Blues fans longing for more.

There isn’t much to say about Curnow that hasn’t already been said. Recently re-signed at the Club until the end of 2023, his performances already have Carlton fans in raptures as a star of the competition.

But it was the support crew on Saturday night which showed a window into what’s to come.

While still getting continuity in his game after three interrupted pre-seasons, McKay’s goal nous — 13 goals in nine games — is evident. He has also averaged seven marks a game since his return to the AFL line-up, compared to an average of four beforehand.

Adding strings to his bow in 2018, Silvagni has spent time in midfield, defence and forward. He returned to familiar territory at the weekend, recording five score involvements on top of his third-quarter goal.

Jack Silvagni is building his repertoire in 2018. (Photo: AFL Media)

The oldest of the five, Pickett — who turns 22 in a fortnight — can still be treated as a newcomer to the AFL system, after having his first two years wiped out through injury.

His impact is coming in spurts after a long injury layoff put a halt to his 2018. Since his return, he comfortably leads the Blues for metres gained per disposal (27), while also placing fourth in total pressure acts. 

Polson is in a similar boat, after having his debut year cut short due to shoulder surgery. He’s placed sixth for pressure acts at the Blues since Round 15, has played the last six games on the spin and has shown his worth as a midfielder at VFL level.

Cameron Polson is building a reputation for his pressure acts. (Photo: AFL Media)

The weekend was just the second time since Round 3 that Carlton has won the inside-50 count. As more opportunity comes for this young group, the more chances they will have to fire.

Watch this space.