The Carlton Football Club began the first leg of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2016. 

After notching up seven wins for the season – three more than last year – the Blues ended up finishing 14^th on the ladder. 

With the team now on a break, we’re taking a look back at each player’s year in statistics. Here's the review for Carlton’s No. 7, Dylan Buckley:

GAMES

Season 2016: 11

Career: 38 

GOALS

Season 2016: 9

Career: 16 

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 142 (12.91)

Kicks: 81 (7.36)

Marks 34 (3.09)

Contested possessions: 37 (3.36)

Uncontested possessions: 109 (9.91)

Rebound 50s: 6 (0.55)

Tackles: 32 (2.91) 

OVERVIEW

Dylan Buckley worked hard on his fitness this season and managed to play nine senior games for Carlton. He also made a solid contribution to the Northern Blues in the VFL. 

When Ciaran Bryne went down with an ACL injury against Collingwood in Round 15, the young defender stepped up to replace the Irishman.

The 23-year-old made his presence felt in Round 22 against Melbourne, gathering 12 disposals, and more importantly kicking three goals. 

One of those goals came late in the third term to stretch the Blues’ lead back out to four goals heading into the final break. With rain tumbling down on the MCG the young defender booted a long-range goal from outside 50 to send the cheersquad into a frenzy. 

Dylan Buckley celebrates one of his three goals against Melbourne. (Photo: AFL Media)

Off the field, Buckley’s five-minute show ‘Discussions with Dylan’ was a hit once again this year, with Jack Silvagni, Daniel Gorringe and marquee players Darcy Vescio and Brianna Davey joining him on the couch.

HE SAID IT

“I’ve had a lot of learning in the VFL in the last month but it’s good to be back with the boys. The result didn’t go our way today but we really took it up to West Coast and maybe in the end if we had another five minutes hopefully we could have maybe won.” 

– Buckley spoke to Carlton Media after the Round 17 match against West Coast.

THEY SAID IT

“Carlton looked switched on from the moment Dylan Buckley kicked the opening goal then bowled over the nearest Melbourne player, while the Demons looked hesitant and perhaps overawed by the opportunity in their grasp.”

– Journalist Jason Phelan highlights Buckley’s performance against Melbourne in The Age. 

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

There’s no going past Buckley’s Round 22 goal against the Dees. In the driving rain, Buckley’s 55m-goal extended the Blues’ lead to put them into a match-winning position heading into the final quarter.