In a nutshell
Can you split the season in two halves? The Blues were dismal early, winning just one of their first 11 games. However, they turned it around in the second half of the campaign to record six wins from their final 11 matches. Four defeats by under a kick hurt.
What we said in the pre-season
Carlton was predicted to improve, but only marginally. Ultimately, that proved to be the case as the Blues finished 16th on the ladder. However, given their start to the season, there's plenty to be excited about. Sam Walsh lived up to the potential that had many tipping him for the NAB Rising Star, while Patrick Cripps is firmly in the Brownlow race.
There was plenty to like about the Blues in 2019. 
What worked
The Teague Train
He completely changed the energy of the football club when he took the reins as its caretaker coach. He simplified the game plan, shifted a few players into different positions and got the results to show for it.
Moving the veterans back into the middle
One of Teague's first moves was to shift Marc Murphy and Ed Curnow back into the midfield. They both quickly returned to being Carlton's most influential players, winning plenty of the footy and providing a crucial buffer for the youngsters.
The recruitment of Nic Newman
The former Swan provided rebound out of defence with his trusty left foot, won plenty of the footy across half-back all year and helped to cover for the loss of Sam Docherty. He was a steal, recruited to the club for a future fourth-round pick.
What failed
The first 11 games
Brendon Bolton's commitment to building for the future was noble, but it ultimately cost Carlton and perhaps even Bolton himself. He persisted with youth in key positions on the field and a number of narrow results went against the Blues as a result.
Mitch McGovern's pre-season
He arrived at the club having had surgery on both ankles, then broke his back before Christmas. It was enough to hamper his first half of the year and sideline him later in the campaign. A big summer lies ahead for McGovern.
Charlie Curnow's luck
The exciting forward missed three games with a knee injury after landing awkwardly against Port Adelaide in round two, then missed the final eight weeks after Fremantle's Ethan Hughes collided with his planted leg later in the year. Both were frustrating blows.
Overall rating
C. The first half of the year might have been an F, but Teague helped bring it back. The Blues can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The coach
Teague has plenty of goodwill at the moment. He helped to reshape Carlton's season, guiding the club to six wins in its final 11 games and earning a three-year contract as its full-time coach as a result.
MVP
Patrick Cripps. He is clearly Carlton's best player. Was a warrior all season in midfield, enhancing his reputation as the League's best contested and clearance player. He might soon have a Brownlow Medal to show for it.
Surprise packet
Levi Casboult. Shopped around during last year's AFL Trade Period, Casboult's time with the Blues looked virtually over last summer. But he's resurrected his career. Playing both forward and back, he's enjoyed the best spell of his footy life to play 20 straight games.
Get excited
Sam Walsh. Showed everything the Blues would have wanted to see throughout his first year. Exceptional work rate, wins plenty of it and is super consistent. Needs to work on his ball use, but he looks a gem.
Disappointment
Charlie Curnow. He's suffered a pair of lamentable knee injuries, with his form struggling as a result of his lack of continuity. He kicked just eight goals from his first eight games, before reclaiming his best form under Teague. However, a seven-goal haul against the Western Bulldogs was followed by yet another injury. It was the story of his season.
Best win
Round 15: Carlton 11.13 (79) d. Fremantle 11.9 (75)
The Blues found themselves 30 points down without stars Patrick Cripps, Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow when they bravely rallied on the road. Marc Murphy sealed the dramatic fightback with a lovely check-side goal with just 31 seconds remaining.
Best individual performance
Patrick Cripps. Round 12 v Brisbane
His coach had been sacked that week, his team had lost 10 of its first 11 games and found itself 37 points down to the high-flying Brisbane when co-captain Patrick Cripps rallied his troops. Cripps had 38 disposals, eight clearances and four goals to inspire a dramatic win.
Low point
Undoubtedly the week Brendon Bolton was sacked. There was a sense of inevitability after a dour 41-point loss to Essendon, where the Blues kicked just four goals for the match. His departure was then made official barely 24 hours later at a press conference at Ikon Park.
The big questions
Will the Teague Train roll on, or was the return to form down to the 'caretaker factor'?
Can the Blues lure a big fish to Ikon Park and jag star free agent Stephen Coniglio?
What shape will Mitch McGovern be in when he returns to pre-season training?
Season in a movie title
Money Train
Who's done?
Retirements: Tom Bugg, Jarrod Pickett, Dale Thomas, Alex Fasolo
Delistings: Nil
Unsigned free agents: Levi Casboult, Kade Simpson, Josh Deluca
How should they approach trade and draft period?
Aggressively. The Blues have cap space to burn and an early draft pick courtesy of the Crows. Linked to names like Stephen Coniglio, Tom Papley, Jack Martin and Brandon Ellis, expect them to be busy in October.
Early call for 2020
Expect a rapid rise, but not quite as rapid as the leap Brisbane has made this year. Its form to end the season would suggest it should be – at the very least – still in the finals mix with six weeks remaining next year.
