The Blues’ young playing list was faced with a number of challenges in 2018, and as a result, finished the year with fewer wins than previous seasons.
However, the valuable experience gained by first and second-year players, coupled with the resilience built within the team, will no doubt hold the Club in good stead for years to come.
With the side now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton’s No. 16, Darcy Lang.
GAMES
2018: 11
Career: 55
GOALS
2018: 6
Career: 37
BY THE NUMBERS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 152 (13.8) Efficient disposals: 106 (9.6) Kicks: 94 (8.6) Marks: 44 (4.0) Contested possessions: 54 (4.9) Tackles: 40 (3.6) Inside 50s: 24 (2.2)
2018 IN FOCUS
After arriving at Ikon Park from Geelong at the end of 2017 fresh with finals experience, Lang provided depth to the Blues’ midfield and half-forward line.
Following an injury-interrupted pre-season, Lang debuted in Round 8, making 11 senior appearances across the remainder of the season. He booted six goals across the season, including sets of two majors in Carlton’s wins over Gold Coast and Essendon.
Lang will no doubt be looking forward to getting a full pre-season under his belt, implementing valuable learnings from a challenging first year at Carlton.
️ | Thanks to @Complete_Dairy, hear from @DarcyLang11 after his two-goal performance in game No.1 as a Blue: https://t.co/kO5OPJyrat#AFLBluesDons #BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/gBm9Ez4lEB
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) May 12, 2018
BEST PERFORMANCE
The 183cm-Blue was critical in Carlton’s 35-point victory over Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium in Round 19. In his 50th career game he amassed two majors, five marks, nine tackles, eight contested possessions, four inside-50s and a season-high 20 disposals to help the Blues come out on top.
Lang’s performance against the Suns showed the 22-year-old’s potential and his ability to rotate through forward and midfield, using his speed for pressure and tackling.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Lang didn’t have to wait long to experience the famous Gatorade shower, debuting in Carlton’s nail-biting 13-point defeat over arch-rival Essendon. He kicked two important goals and totaled five marks, four tackles and five contested possessions in the victory.
