The Carlton Football Club embarked on the second stage of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2017.
After registering six wins, the Blues finished the season in 16th place on the ladder.
Despite falling four points short of its 2016 output, Carlton won more quarters in 2017, demonstrating the growth of the playing group in its second year with Bolton at the helm.
With the team now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton forward Matthew Wright.
GAMES
Season 2017: 22
Career: 138
GOALS
Season 2017: 30
Career: 115
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 357 (16.2) Inside 50s: 59 (2.7) Tackles: 64 (2.9) Marks 96 (4.4) Score involvements: 116 (5.3) Goal assists: 17 (0.8)
OVERVIEW
In several ways, Wright's season mirrored last year's.
The clever small forward played every game for the second consecutive season, finishing sixth once again in Carlton's best and fairest.
He booted 30 goals - eight better than last year - while having nine more goal assists.
Indeed, Wright has proven a handy pick-up after being delisted by Adelaide at the end of 2015.
His goal smarts, efficiency and high intensity are hallmarks of his game, and were once again on show in a consistent season.
The 27-year-old signed a one-year contract extension in June, keeping him at Carlton until at least the end of 2018.
BEST PERFORMANCE
Such was Wright's performance against the Swans that coach Brendon Bolton felt compelled to interrupt his post-game interview and praise him.
"You were super," Bolton said, eyeballing Wright and firmly patting him on the chest.
With Sydney ahead at half-time, Wright turned the game on its head with a super third term.
He booted three goals in the space of 20 minutes, finishing with a game-high four majors.
It was arguably the best of his 44 games with the Blues.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Wright brought the house down when he put the Blues in front against Melbourne in Round 2.
With limited time and space, he received a handpass from Charlie Curnow on the boundary and instinctively curled home a beauty.
He wasn't done there, however, with a goal celebration befitting of his effort.
