Gerard Healy's top ten reasons Carlton have improved from last season to now

Carlton fans all over the country would be walking around with a pep in their step after their dominant Friday night performance against Geelong.

Michael Voss’ Blues made a huge MCG statement in front of a packed-out crowd by piling on 21 goals against a near full-strength Geelong side.

They fired on all cylinders and looked a side that will be competing deep into September, just as they did last year when they led the Brisbane Lions away from home in a Preliminary Final.

Speaking after Carlton’s win, Gerard Healy listed the ten areas of improvement (in no particular order) he’s seen from the Blues since last year.

1. Midfield domiance

“I’m going to have to have to go with a Champion Data fact and that is that last year they were too reliant on clearance but they are now much more balanced and their turnover game is absolutely superb,” Healy told AFL Nation.

“They’re also playing with one ruckman which I think is helping.

2. Harry McKay’s goal kicking

“Harry’s goal kicking just gave the whole side confidence at the start of the year when he went back and went bang.

“He now looks a more confident and reliable player.

3. Tom De Koning’s improvement

“De Koning is just one of the great ruckman in the competition and he’s just a baby but he’s got bigger in the shoulders, he’s aggressive and he goes forward. “He’s a young star.

4. Zac Williams’ new role

“I think they’ve found a really potent position for him and he can still go up the ground and play in the midfield.

“He’s a player that they paid a lot of money to get and is delivering.

5. Elijah Hollands

“Without question, Elijah Hollands is just a fantastic pick up. You’re going to get a top 10 midfield / forward half player that’s got an incredible football brain.

“That is a big bonus and not just for this year but for another decade.

6. Ollie Hollands

“Ollie Hollands continues to mature.

7. Alex Cincotta's new role

“Alex Cincotta’s new role gives them great flexibility and it changes a player that was in and out of the side to a first picked player.

8. Improvement from their second liners

“You can also throw in Brodie Kemp, Josh Cowan, Matt Owies and Lachie Fogarty. “That group of players have all improved.

9. Nic Newman is in the form of his life

10. Matt Owies lifting

“As a small forward, Owies just gives them another avenue to goal.”