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. 19, Liam Sumner:

GAMES

Season 2016: 16

Career: 28

GOALS

Season 2016: 8

Career: 17

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 150 (9.38) Kicks: 94 (5.88) Marks 38 (2.38) Contested Possessions: 59 (3.69) Uncontested Possessions: 97 (6.06) Tackles: 42 (2.63) Goals: 8 (0.50)

OVERVIEW

Having arrived at Ikon Park from GWS at the end of last year, Sumner made his Carlton debut in Round 4 against the Western Bulldogs.

Due to a foot injury he sustained in 2015, the forward gained match fitness through the Northern Blues in the early part of the year, before making his first senior appearance in navy blue.

Sumner provided Carlton with intense forward-50 pressure, constantly harassing opposition defenders and never giving up on the chase.

In Round 18 against the Swans the 23-year-old was awarded Carlton’s ‘Goal of the Week’, with the speedy forward beating his opponent to kick the ball off the ground soccer-style from 25m metres out. 

Back on the old stomping ground, but in the right colours... @liamsumner19 gets reacquainted with Spotless Stadium. #AFLGiantsBlues #BoundByBlue

A photo posted by Carlton Football Club (@carlton_fc) on Jun 24, 2016 at 12:22am PDT

 HE SAID IT

“I’m really enjoying my football, being able to hit the track and get out on the field and play with the boys. I haven’t felt like an outsider, I’ve felt part of the group straight away."

– Liam Sumner talks to Carlton Media after the team’s Round 16 clash with Adelaide, emphasising how well he has slotted into the Club.

THEY SAID IT

“Liam played forward while having a few bursts on the ball. He continues to build fitness and impressed us with his workrate. He also had a hand in setting up a couple of goals.”

– Northern Blues coach Josh Fraser comments on Sumner's first hitout in the VFL – Round 1 v Footscray.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

In Round 8 Sumner laid a fast and intense tackle on Port’s Karl Amon inside the Blues' forward 50, awarding him Carlton's 'Tackle of the Week'. The umpire paid holding the ball, enabling Sumner to line up for a set shot with only four and half minutes left on the clock. He went back and kicked the goal to get the Blues within four points, with the Blues ultimately walking away with the victory.