While its positive performances haven’t translated into wins in the early parts of 2019, Carlton is quickly becoming one the of the most daunting opponents in the competition.

A young group with a sprinkling of experienced veterans, the Blues are capable of beating most sides on their day.

Sitting 15th after six rounds, the Blues are 1-5, but should be higher given they’ve lost two matches by less than a goal.

Last Sunday’s five-point loss to the Hawks is the latest close finish they’ve been on the wrong side of, despite another dominant performance from co-captain Patrick Cripps.

The 24-year-old has had an outstanding start to the season, averaging a career-high 31.2 disposals per game, highlighted by a 37-touch outing in his side’s win over the Western Bulldogs on Easter Sunday.

Standing at 195 centimetres, Cripps has the build of the modern day midfielder, and can get it done on both the inside and outside.

The Blue is averaging 9.5 clearances a game this season, and 7.3 tackles, evidence of his dominance in all aspects.

The West-Australian native is a big reason why his side ranks second in clearances per game.

Cripps has been flanked by fellow young Blues, Paddy Dow, Zac Fisher and Sam Walsh.

The latter has been a mainstay in Carlton’s on-ball brigade since being drafted with the first pick in last year’s National Draft, and for good reason.

Walsh has averaged 26.3 disposals in the first six games of the year, and leads the league’s rising stars in almost every statistical category.

The young, emerging demographic we’ve seen in the midfield is mirrored in the forward-line, with the Blues boasting one of the most dynamic forward six combinations in the competition.

Consisting of Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay, Mitch McGovern and Sam Petrevski-Seton, all of whom are under 25-years-old, Carlton’s forward-line is a force to be reckoned with.

 21-year-old Harry McKay has had a breakout month, with his strong contested marking receiving praise from some of the game’s greatest ever forwards.

He leads Carlton’s goal-kicking, having bagged 11 majors in the opening six rounds, closely followed by high-profile recruit Mitch McGovern, who has kicked 10 himself.

Arguably the Blues’ most dangerous forward is Charlie Curnow, who has missed three of the six matches this season through a minor knee injury.

While Carlton has been able to cover Curnow’s absence, there’s little doubt it will be hoping he can return to the field sooner rather than later.