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 season, 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 first-year player Harrison Macreadie.
GAMES
Season 2017: 8
Career: 8
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 61 (7.63) Kicks: 35 (4.38) Marks: 17 (2.13) Contested possessions: 24 (3.00) Rebound 50s: 14 (1.75) Intercepts: 30 (3.75) Tackles: 19 (2.38)
OVERVIEW
Boyhood Bluebagger Harrison Macreadie made his way to Ikon Park via pick No.47 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft.
A late inclusion in the line-up to take on Richmond in the season opener, the tall defender made his AFL debut on football’s biggest stage in front of over 73,000 fans.
He went on to play eight senior games in his debut season, finishing first among Carlton’s first-year players for disposal efficiency (76.67).
While the former GWS academy player was managed for two rounds in 2017, he also featured in 11 matches for the Northern Blues, impressing with his organisation behind the play.
Intercepts for days!@CarltonFC youngster @HarrisonMacread showed his poise and class at both levels in 2017.#WeMarchNorth #BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/v64EmtKey2
— Northern Blues FC (@NBluesFC) September 20, 2017
After signing a two-year contract extension earlier in the season, the 19-year-old will return for his second pre-season at the end of October, looking to further develop his game ahead of his second year in the navy blue.
BEST PERFORMANCE
Carlton fans witnessed the youngster’s potential in the Round 2 clash with Melbourne, where he recorded 10 disposals, four marks, and three rebound 50s in a promising second-game display.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Macreadie's intercepting is one of his strengths, with his best intercept coming against the Demons in Round 2.
With the game in the balance, unmarked Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan looked destined to take a grab on the lead inside 50, but Macreadie had other ideas.
In an effort which showed courage and smarts, Macreadie came in from the side to put his body in front of a charging Hogan and take a contested mark.