Carlton’s AFLW players have hung up their boots for the final time in 2017, but senior coach Damien Keeping says his side could hold their heads high following their first season in the navy blue.

After seven rounds of the inaugural AFLW competition, Carlton finished the season in fourth place on three wins, three losses and one draw.

With time now to reflect on the Blues’ seven outings, Keeping has praised the efforts of the playing group on and off the field.

“We’re very proud of what they (players) have achieved,” Keeping told EON Sports Radio on Tuesday.

“We’re proud of the way they were able to fill the role of taking on this first season, the way they’ve engaged with the members and supporters and the influence they’ve had across the community.”

In Carlton’s last hurrah, the Blues drew with the Brisbane Lions to finish the season undefeated on home turf.

According to Keeping, his side’s display against the league leader shared similarities with the first-round clash against Collingwood, where the players were able to achieve a balance between managing the occasion with their ability to perform.

“It (ensuring the players weren’t overawed by the occasion) was something we were really mindful of in the lead-up to the game (against Collingwood),” Keeping said.

“I think we struggled a little bit over the season to find that balance (between performance execution and game hype) again.

“But the way we finished off against Brisbane was pleasing in that they were able to find that balance again and get a performance out that was really exciting and something to celebrate.”
 

With the AFLW season to wrap up this weekend, each of the clubs will look to analyse the inaugural year in the coming weeks.

And while the Blues won’t feature this weekend, Keeping was proud to acknowledge the growth Carlton has achieved in 2017.

The Blues' strong team spirit was on display in the inaugural AFLW season. (Photo: AFL Media)

“When we go through our review over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be able to say that our players have come in and got better as players and people,” he said.

“We asked our players to come into the environment here – right from the word go – with a really open mind to learning and I’m so pleased with the commitment that our group put towards that.

“I think we’ve achieved a lot through the season.”