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.38, Ciaran Byrne.

GAMES

2018: 7
Career: 22

GOALS

2018: -
Career: -

BY THE NUMBERS (averages in brackets)

Disposals: 116 (16.6) Marks: 26 (3.7) Tackles: 20 (2.9) Inside 50s: 15 (2.1) Score involvements: 17 (2.4) Metres gained: 1641 (234.4)

2018 IN FOCUS

Readying himself for his fifth year on the senior list, Ciaran Byrne started the year off with his first-ever Round 1 match in front of over 90,000 people against Richmond.

However, a troublesome quad stopped Byrne in his tracks the following week, ruled out with injury after Round 2 and not returning to the AFL stage until Round 19.

Upon his return, Byrne showed what the Blues had been missing throughout season 2018, providing some drive and tenacity across half-back for the Blues.

His final five games provided the platform for Byrne to launch into an important summer, as he’ll look to add to a back-line in 2019 which was a revolving door due to injuries this season.

BEST PERFORMANCE

The Blues were up for the fight against the Western Bulldogs in Round 22, and you didn’t have to look further than Byrne’s performance to see that.

To go with 22 disposals, Byrne recorded six tackles — three of those resulted in holding the ball free kicks for his side. While Carlton didn’t get the win, it was arguably the Irishman’s best game in a burgeoning career.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

After a frustrating year on the sidelines, Byrne was delighted to return to AFL action — especially in a winning side.

His first game back from a four-month injury layoff saw Byrne play a pivotal defensive role, as the Blues performed a second half shut-out against Gold Coast.