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 midfielder Sam Kerridge
GAMES
Season 2017: 11
Career: 59
GOALS
Season 2017: 2
Career: 31
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 238 (21.6) Tackles: 48 (4.4) Contested possessions: 92 (8.4) Uncontested possessions: 151 (13.7) Metres gained: 3023 (274.8) Score involvements: 42 (3.8)
OVERVIEW
It was a season of contrasting halves for Kerridge.
The hardworking midfielder could only muster 17 disposals across his first two games in the first half of the season, but hit a strong vein of form to feature in the Blues’ last nine matches.
With Ed Curnow and Patrick Cripps succumbing to season-ending injuries, Kerridge made the most of his recall from the VFL, averaging 25 disposals in the back half of the season.
He tackled with intent and ran tirelessly, becoming a vital cog in Carlton’s engine room.
While his decision-making remains an area of improvement, Kerridge’s disposal efficiency of 72.7 per cent sat in between Bryce Gibbs (69.1) and Marc Murphy (72.9).
At just 24, Kerridge could be set to take his game to the next level in 2018.
Kerridge celebrates kicking the sealer against the Bombers in Round 3. (Photo: AFL Media)
BEST PERFORMANCE
Kerridge set the tone early in Carlton’s drought-breaking win over Hawthorn, playing a pivotal role in the Blues’ early lead.
He finished with 24 disposals (70.8 per cent efficiency), six marks, seven tackles and five clearances in a well-balanced performance.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Kerridge’s long bomb against former side Adelaide jumps to mind.
With two minutes left in the first half, Kerridge unloaded on the run from inside the centre square, clearing the goal line to put the Blues within a kick.
The team-lifting goal gave Carlton added impetus to come out firing in the second half.
