IT could be argued that if one player was the embodiment of Carlton’s improvement, it’s David Cuningham.

While the results may not have come in droves for the Blues so far in 2019, seven losses under 20 points means Carlton’s season could have been very different.

Across all areas of the ground, there has been growth in the Blues’ game — and Cuningham is arguably the pick of the bunch.

After three seasons yielded 16 games, Cuningham has been the beneficiary of a positional shift and a full pre-season.

With eight games so far this year, the dynamic Cuningham is averaging a career-high for disposals, score involvements, goals and metres gained.

The question is there to be asked — where else is Carlton’s improvement coming from?

Defender Jacob Weitering is showing exciting signs by the week, working in tandem with Caleb Marchbank in their ability to either spoil or intercept in defence.

Led by Patrick Cripps, a youthful midfield group is posting positive numbers, nearly doubling their scoring output from forward half stoppages.

Alongside Cuningham, Zac Fisher (20) and Sam Petrevski-Seton (20) are putting together career-best disposal numbers, while Will Setterfield and Sam Walsh are settling in their first seasons in Blue.

With Setterfield and Walsh joining Liam Stocker in making their Blue debuts, the youthful influence has been profound at Ikon Park.

Once again, the Blues lead the League for most talent blooded between ages 18-22: on average, over half of Carlton’s team (11.3 out of 22) are in the age bracket.

Harry McKay leads the competition for contested marks after 13 rounds, while a seven-goal haul for Charlie Curnow was an emphatic return to form.

In offence, the Blues are increasingly showing signs of being able to kick a winning score under David Teague, while they’re also a two-goal better side defensively.

However, one number which is among the most impressive isn’t even on the field: Carlton’s average home attendance of 50,619 sits just outside the competition’s top four.