IN a new approach to the AFL Women’s end of season reviews, Rookie Me Central casts both a glass half full and half empty lens over each side’s campaigns.

Next under the microscope is Carlton, who had yet another frustrating year.

GLASS HALF FULL

Core of Experience

Even with everything that has happened over the last few years at the club, there is still that core group of experienced players that is going to keep leading this team forward.

With the likes of Darcy Vescio, Kerryn Peterson, Elise O’Dea, Jess Dal Pos and others still around, the club’s core of leadership and experience is still there, and the team can be built around them with youth.

Stayed largely competitive

Despite only getting the three wins on the board, the Blues were largely competitive and could have won at least a couple of more games.

They drew against Port Adelaide and Fremantle, and had a good start against eventual semi finalists Richmond but were unable to maintain it for four quarters.

Win those three games and they would have only just missed out on finals. That is still not a finals appearance, but shows how largely competitive they were this season despite not getting the results.

Vamua Laloifi

One shining light for the Blues in Season 7 was defender Vaomua Laloifi.

She was a solid rock in defence, and in a team that was constantly under pressure she was always reliable and could be counted on.

Her strong intercept capabilities and well above average season saw her make the All Australian squad for the first time, and she is likely to make the final squad.

GLASS HALF EMPTY

Fourth lowest scorers

One area that needs a big look at in the offseason for Carlton is their forward line.

They were the fourth lowest scorers in the Home and Away season, so that really is something Daniel Harford and his coaching team will need to address in the offseason.

The partnership between Darcy Vescio and Phoebe McWilliams did not work out quite like the Blues would have hoped, but regardless the Blues need to find more consistent avenues to goal than just those two.

More Player Exits?

Although this one may ultimately be pure speculation, but will we see more players leave the club at the end of this season? It would be naïve to think there is not at least one player there who is keen to move to a club that they feel is closer to a flag.

Attractive destination?

In a similar vein to the previous point, Carlton need to turn things around and become that destination club again.

They have been a destination club in the past, but really do not have much to offer those big players.

CONCLUSION

So although many will see Season 7 as a fail for Carlton, but it is not all doom and gloom for the navy blue. There are positives to take out of the season, but still plenty to improve ahead of Season 8.