In an analysis by Champion Data, which gives the Blues renewed hope of securing their first flag since 1995, it is felt Malthouse (below) has taken charge of a list capable of adopting the blueprint he used at his former club Collingwood.
The analysis has found Carlton's game plan last season was ''far from direct'' and ''had no distinct area of the ground in which it moved the ball''.
The data showed the Blues ranked mid-table in boundary, wing and corridor-midfield ball movement and were ''tentative forward of centre, kicking backwards or laterally more often than any other team''
''So, was the 10th placing a true reflection of where the Blues are at or was it just a hiccup, similar to that of Geelong in 2006?'' Champion Data asks.
''In 2004 and 2005 the Cats played finals and the expectations rose. But they fell away in 2006 and missed the finals, which led to an extensive post-season review in which Mark Thompson survived, but significant changes were made.
''After that review, it certainly clicked with the Cats playing in four of the next five grand final and winning three flags.
''So is this a similar case at Carlton? The common thought is that they have the list and 2012 was just a minor setback on the way to the Holy Grail.''