Another finals flop does not mean all is lost for Carlton Blues [Video]

After producing the type of forgettable elimination final loss that Essendon and the Western Bulldogs have made into an art form this century, there can be no pats on the back for Carlton.

This season was a failure based on the expectations many held for the Blues in 2024, their season completely derailing after quarter-time in round 17 when they squandered a five-goal lead to the Giants after making the strange decision to leave George Hewett out of their midfield.

But it wasn’t a waste and the Blues will remain contenders next season.

Until that point against the Giants the Blues sat second on the ladder. Patrick Cripps and Tom DeKoning were in red-hot form, Zac Williams and Alex Cincotta had spent …