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 14th 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. 21, Ciaran Sheehan.

VFL GAMES

Season 2016: 4

KEY VFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 51 (12.8) Kicks: 30 (7.5) Marks: 13 (3.3) Contested Possessions: 16 (4.00) Tackles: 2 (0.5)

OVERVIEW

After making his AFL debut in 2014, Sheehan has faced a series of hip and groin injuries, ultimately restricting his time on the field.

A consistent pre-season enabled the Irishman to make his long-awaited debut via the VFL for the Northern Blues. He laced up his boots for the first time in Round 7 against archrivals Coburg and went on to play four matches for Northern.  

‘Gussy’ played four consecutive games and averaged nearly 13 disposals, before injury once again cruelly cut his season short. Sheehan suffered a hamstring and a knee injury, keeping him sidelined for the remainder of the year.

The rookie-listed player will be hoping to get his body right for 2017. 

HE SAID IT

“It was absolutely fantastic to get back out on the park and have a run around. I was blowing up a bit but I guess match fitness is always different to what you do on the track but I’m happy to be back and give the boys a hand.”

– Sheehan talks to Carlton Media in May after taking to the field for the Northern Blues Development side – his first hitout in 18 months.

THEY SAID IT

"He continues to improve, ‘Gussy’. I think his positioning and game sense is coming back by the week: he was strong in contest in the air and on the ground, and he continues to find more and more of the ball each week.”

– Northern Blues coach Josh Fraser commends Sheehan's footy smarts after the team's Round 10 win over Box Hill.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

In Northern's 36-point victory over Box Hill in Round 10, Sheehan gathered 16 disposals – his season high – including six contested possessions, three marks and two clearances.