1956

After losses in the first two rounds to Essendon and Melbourne (two of the 1955 finalists), Carlton managed to win 6 games in a row between rounds 3 and 8. The Blues would have won 8 in a row if not for a 1 point loss to Geelong in round 9. After round 10, the Blues sat fourth on the ladder, with a game in hand over fifth place.

Our strong mid-season form deserted us, and the club could only manage a 3 win, 1 draw and 4 loss record in its last 8 games. Going into the last game of the season, the Blues still clung onto 4th place on the ladder, half a game in front of Footscray. With the last game of the season being the Dogs at Princes Park, the Blues had a strong chance of playing finals football. Unfortunately, Footscray narrowly outscored Carlton in every quarter, resulting in a 17 point win and leapfrogging the Blues for 4th spot.

The season did point to the continued improvement in the club's playing fortunes, showing year-on-year improvement for the club since the low point of 1954. This improvement would continue in 1957, with the club making the finals for the first time since 1952.

Ladder

People of 1956

Coach: Jim Francis
Captain: Ken Hands
Vice Captain: Laurie Kerr
Leading goal scorer: Kevan Hamilton - 22 goals
President: Sir Sir Kenneth Luke, previously Carlton's President for the past 18 years, is appointed as VFL President. His position is taken over at Carlton by Horrie Clover.

Debuts

Round 16: Maurie Pope, Brian Buckley
Round 6: Ross Ousley
Round 3: Kevan Hamilton
Round 2: Max Ellis, Don Nicholls, Ron O'Dwyer
Round 1: Kevin Clarke, Vic Garra, Keith Robinson