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. 34, Andrew Phillips.

GAMES

2018: 5
Career: 36

GOALS

2018: 3
Career: 14

BY THE NUMBERS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 34 (6.8) Hitouts: 139 (27.8) Hitouts to advantage: 42 (8.4) Inside 50s: 18 (2.6) One-percenters: 19 (3.8) Tackles: 10 (2)

2018 IN FOCUS

After having his 2017 season wiped out due to a troublesome foot injury, Andrew Phillips set his sights on the form which saw him play 16 games in his first season at Carlton.

In the absence of Matthew Kreuzer, Phillips got his chance in Round 5 against West Coast — the first of five games he would play throughout the year.

Frustratingly for the 203cm ruckman, Phillips was once again struck down through injury just as he looked to cement a spot in the senior line-up. A hamstring injury sustained in the opening five minutes against Brisbane would rule out the remainder of his season.

His influence at VFL level was evident, leading the Northern Blues’ best and fairest count prior to injury. Meanwhile, his average of 34 hitouts per game before injuring his hamstring was comfortably a career-best.

BEST PERFORMANCE

With Matthew Kreuzer concussed against Collingwood in Round 14, Phillips got the chance as a lone ruckman in his senior recall against Port Adelaide.

The 27-year-old put in an accomplished performance in the ruck and around the ground, collecting 12 disposals, 42 hitouts (14 to advantage) and an important goal in a narrow loss.

He also managed a career-high 48 hitouts against the Western Bulldogs in Round 6.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

Phillips’ first game of the year was no easy task, coming into the side to take on West Coast's ruck division of Scott Lycett and Nic Naitanui.

His best moment of the match came in the final quarter, when — with the Blues chasing the game — he soared over Eagle Mark Hutchings. It featured as a Woolworths Mark of the Year nomination in Round 5.