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.36, Patrick Kerr.
GAMES
2018: 4
Career: 4
GOALS
2018: 2
Career: 2
BY THE NUMBERS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 37 (9.3) Marks: 17 (4.3) Inside 50s: 10 (2.5) Score involvements: 14 (3.5)
2018 IN FOCUS
Patrick Kerr won’t forget 2018 — the year where the childhood Bluebagger made his AFL debut.
The young key forward played four straight games mid-season, making his debut against Melbourne in Round 9 at the MCG. It was reward for strong VFL form for Kerr, after showing positive signs in his maiden season before hip surgery.
Come the end of the Northern Blues season, Kerr kicked 20 goals from his 12 VFL games, impressing with his work-rate and ability to hit the scoreboard.
All Aussie Adventures + Elvis Presley. What a time!@paddykerr11 and Liam Jones are the latest to feature in Blues Banter, brought to you by Endeavour Group.#BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/JKpmFzPVHO
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) August 30, 2018
Still incredibly raw but with football smarts and a willingness to learn, Kerr will work on his fitness as he looks to add to his four senior games in 2019 after re-signing with the Club in July.
BEST PERFORMANCE
In his first interstate trip, Kerr — in game three — enjoyed arguably his most complete performance against Sydney.
Kicking the first goal of the game, Kerr accrued 11 disposals and five score involvements as the Blues pushed the Swans for the majority of the contest.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
First goals in AFL football do not come much better than Kerr’s against Geelong.
Situated in “level four, row H” of the GMHBA Stadium grandstand, Kerr nailed a set shot in a memorable moment for Carlton’s No.36. It was a team-lifting goal in a tight, tense affair.
Patrick Kerr kicks his first AFL goal, from the front row! #AFLCatsBlues pic.twitter.com/hHRMOAKOem
— AFL (@AFL) May 26, 2018