AFL.com.au's Howard Kotton reviews Carlton's 2015 season:

What worked
1. In only his second season Patrick Cripps became a regular in the midfield and thrived, quickly becoming one of Carlton's most important players.

2. Under interim coach John Barker promising young players such as Nick Graham and Nick Holman were given an opportunity rather than languishing in the reserves.

3. Employing Saverio Rocca to help Levi Casboult with his goalkicking. Now there is an air of confidence when Casboult lines up for goal.


Nick Graham was in sensational form before being floored by a foot injury. (Photo: AFL Photos)

What failed
1. Mick Malthouse's game-plan. Unlike at Collingwood where his players bought in there was a clear disconnect between players and coach, ultimately bringing about his sacking.

2. The backline fell apart and is in dire need of a revamp. Sam Rowe failed to replicate his 2014 performances and Michael Jamison is struggling for fitness and form.

3. The recruitment strategy failed again. The quartet picked up in trades and free agency did not become regular players and No.1 draft choice, mature-age recruit Blaine Boekhorst, appears a fair way off.

What we said in the pre-season
It's crunch time for Mick Malthouse. Malthouse might be judged on his ability to develop the Blues' youngsters in 2015 as much as his team's ladder finish.

Overall rating
2/10. The season can be summed up in one word – disastrous. Coach sacked after a 1-7 start to season, Chris Judd retired after season-ending knee injury and an under-performing list.

The coach
Malthouse lasted only eight games, and for a brief period under Barker the Blues looked competitive and were playing a more attacking brand of football. However, in the end he was hamstrung by a lack of depth, with key injuries and form issues harming his chances of more success.

MVP
Marc Murphy. The skipper struggled early in the season but thrived under the coaching of Barker. After Judd's retirement and the season-ending injury to Bryce Gibbs, Murphy shouldered a heavy workload in the middle and battled manfully against the odds. In line to win his second John Nicholls Medal.


Captain Marc Murphy has been a shining light for the Blues. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Surprise packet
Tom Bell. The former rookie from Queensland stepped up to become a permanent fixture in the seniors, providing a strong contest around the ball and proving dangerous around goal. Given his improvement this season, the Blues would be disappointed if the big-bodied midfielder decides to return to his home state.

Get excited
Patrick Cripps. A future superstar and captain. With the team in a rebuilding phase he has carried extra responsibility with aplomb. The strong midfielder has room for improvement in his game, particularly his kicking for goal, but he is superb in close and tackles ferociously. Will need plenty of support in the ensuing seasons.

Disappointment
Chris Yarran. He heads a long list of candidates including recently departed Lachie Henderson and Troy Menzel. But the skilful Yarran has been most disappointing, spending the past three weeks in the VFL. Speculation is rife about his future and it would not surprise to see him in different colours next season.

Best win: Four-point win over Port Adelaide, round 12, MCG
While the victories against St Kilda, Gold Coast and Melbourne were by much bigger margins, the Blues were most impressive against the Power to give Barker his first success as coach.

Low point: Among many it is hard to go past being beaten by Hawthorn by a record 138 points in round 17. Malthouse's sacking and Judd's injury/retirement are also in the mix.


Injured champion Chris Judd leaves the field of battle for the last time. (Photo: AFL Photos)

The big questions
1. How will the new coach go in 2016?
Brendon Bolton is sure to draw on the Hawthorn template for success and initial expectations will not be high with the Blues rebuilding. A lot depends on the list he has to work with.

2. How many Blues are leaving? Now that Henderson has announced he is going, who else is out the door? Will Yarran or Menzel find a new home next season?

3. Can the Blues shore up their defence?
The Blues leak badly in the back half and desperately need a key defender to help out Jamison and another good running backman, which would allow them to push Dylan Buckley up the ground.

Season in a song
The Only Way Is Up, Yazz.

Who's done?
Retirements: Chris Judd, Andrew Carrazzo
Judd made his decision to retire mid-season after injuring his knee and fellow midfielder Carrazzo is likely to follow suit. Carrazzo must decide if his body can withstand the rigours of another season. There is also speculation about the future of Andrew Walker given concerns about his left knee, but his form in attack in the past two games that he can still be of some value to the team.

Trades/free agents
Tom Bell, Lachie Henderson, Troy Menzel, Chris Yarran
Henderson has already signalled his intention to seek a trade and Bell, who has enjoyed a breakout season, is set to return to his home state of Queensland. Yarran is languishing in the VFL and appears certain to move on. Menzel is talented but has struggled for fitness and form this season and may be looking for a fresh start.

What they need
Plenty, but a key forward and key defender would be top of the wishlist. Another ruckman to support Kreuzer, a class small forward and a flanker/midfielder to break the lines would be handy.

What's the time?
The Blues are at the start of a rebuilding phase and are a few seasons off playing finals, so they won't be adding to their 16 AFL/VFL premierships for a while.

Early call
16-18
It is hard to see the Blues rising above the bottom three after a dismal 2015. A lot depends on how they fare in the free agency/trading/draft period and the impact of a new coach.