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. 34, Andrew Phillips:    

GAMES

Season 2016: 16

Career: 30

GOALS

Season 2016: 6

Career: 11

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 109 (6.81) Kicks: 63 (3.94) Marks 37 (2.31) Contested Possessions: 67 (4.19) Uncontested Possessions: 51 (3.19) Hit-outs: 258 (16.13) Tackles: 39 (2.44)

OVERVIEW

Alongside three of his GWS teammates, Andrew Phillips made the journey to Ikon Park after being traded to the Blues last year.

Following an impressive pre-season, the ruckman made his Carlton debut in Round 1 against Richmond at the MCG. 

The former Giant began his first year at the Blues with six consecutive matches before his season was put on hold after straining a hamstring in the lead up to Round 7.

With a month on the sidelines, Carlton’s newest big man proved his fitness in the VFL with two strong performances for the Northern Blues.

In his second game for Northern, Phillips was awarded ‘best on ground’ by his coaches after finishing with 13 disposals, eight marks, one goal and an incredible 53 hit-outs.

It was after that performance that the ruckman returned to the Blues’ senior squad to face his old side in Round 14. The 25- year-old ran out in every game thereafter, finishing the year strongly to notch-up a total of 16 games in the No.34 guernsey.

HE SAID IT

“I spent a fair amount of time on the training track with him (Shane Mumford) and he’s in very good form at the moment so I’ll just have to knuckle down and get on with the job.”

– Speaking to the Saturday Telegraph in the lead up to Carlton’s Round 14 match against GWS, Phillips was eager to take on former teammate Shane Mumford.

THEY SAID IT

“He took a couple of really good contested marks and being able to go back and kick that goal at a pressure moment, that’s a good step forward in our progress – particularly for Andrew.” 

– Senior coach Brendon Bolton commends Phillips’ Round 6 performance against Essendon in his post-match press conference.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

When the Blues battled archrival Essendon in Round 6, Phillips kicked the sealer from the 50 metre arc, affording Carlton its second win for the season.  The ruckman finished the game with 11 disposals, 17 hit-outs and a season-high six marks.