WITH seven losses under 20 points, the outlook of 2019 could’ve been a lot different for Carlton.

However, following the agonising loss to the Western Bulldogs in the last encounter, the Blues will be hoping to build on the positives shown over the last two matches.

Today marks two months until the end of the 2019 AFL season: here’s how it’s placed.

THE RUN HOME

Round 15 — Fremantle (Optus Stadium, away); Round 16 — Melbourne (MCG, home); Round 17 — Sydney (SCG, away); Round 18 — Gold Coast (Marvel Stadium, home); Round 19 — Adelaide (MCG, home); Round 20 — West Coast (Marvel Stadium, home); Round 21 — Richmond (MCG, away); Round 22 — St Kilda (MCG, home); Round 23 — Geelong (GMHBA Stadium, away)

THE CONTENDER

Could Patrick Cripps make history as Carlton’s sixth Brownlow Medallist?

It’s not out of the realms of possibility for the Carlton captain, who is coming off a fourth-placed finish in the award last season.

With 20 votes in 2018, Cripps could conceivably poll in nine of his first 13 games. The midfield bull is averaging over 27 disposals and eight clearances — fans just need to watch his performance against Brisbane to see what he’s capable of.

THE NEXT WAVE

If Cripps can feature in Brownlow Medal calculations, then the ‘Robin’ to his ‘Batman’ will be even closer to becoming Carlton’s first NAB AFL Rising Star.

Sam Walsh has enjoyed an outstanding first season in Blue, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Second only to Cripps at the Blues for total disposals, Walsh is averaging just shy of 25 possessions per game and has slotted in seamlessly at AFL level.

Walsh has been joined by the likes of Will Setterfield and Liam Stocker, who have impressed in their Blue debuts and shown signs of their promise.

THE BIG IMPROVERS

Two of Carlton’s prime movers so far this season have been the first selections of the respective 2015 and 2016 NAB AFL Drafts: Jacob Weitering and Sam Petrevski-Seton.

With both playing every game so far this season, Weitering has stamped himself as one of the best emerging key defenders in the competition. Averaging career-high numbers in disposals, clearance and inside 50s, Petrevski-Seton isn’t far behind.

That’s not to discount the improvement David Cuningham, whose injury-free run has seen the impressive fourth-year Blue produce his best footy across half-forward.

WHO’S PRIMED?

While they are yet to enjoy a dominant performance in sync, the trio of tall forwards at Ikon Park is beginning to show signs of growth.

When Mitch McGovern arrived at Carlton at the end of last season, how he would work in tandem with young forwards Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay was the question on everyone’s lips.

With the Blues hitting the 100-point mark last game and adopting a free-flowing mantra under David Teague, the trio are on track to all hit the 30-goal mark: something which hasn’t happened in Navy Blue since 2011.

BIDING THEIR TIME

The standout performer for the Northern Blues in 2019, rookie Hugh Goddard is doing everything in his power to put his hand up for senior selection.

The 22-year-old key defender has been an imposing presence in the VFL, hauling in the most marks of any Blue and standing up against the opposition’s best forward each week. Should he be called upon, there’s no doubting that Goddard has the form line to perform.

Another Blue who will be hoping to breakthrough in the final two months of the season is mid-season acquisition Josh Deluca.

The combative midfielder - who has won four premierships in the WAFL - will make his return to action this weekend and he’ll have a return to AFL action in his sights.