GAMES
Season 2014: 8
Career: 9
GOALS
Season 2014: 1
Career: 2
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 107 (13.4) Contested Possessions: 24 (3) Uncontested Possessions: 83 (10.4)
OVERVIEW
Dylan Buckley made the move to Carlton’s back-line in season 2014 and he thrived in his new role.
Earning the call-up to Carlton’s senior side in Round 2, the young defender earned himself a Rising Star nomination after gathering an impressive 18 disposals and laying six tackles.
Whilst Buckley’s season was ultimately cut short by injury, the 21-year-old went on to play eight senior games, taking his AFL games total to nine.
Despite the injury setback, the son of triple premiership player Jim Buckley continued to impress off the field with his endeavour, leadership and positive attitude.
Those qualities saw him take out two awards on the John Nicholls Medal night: Best Clubman and the Spirit of Carlton Award.
HE SAID IT
“My mentors are Kade Simpson, Chris Yarran and Heath Scotland – all fantastic back-line players. I’m really learning from the best. I had never played down back before, so when Mick gave me the tap on the shoulder at the end of last year and said he wanted me on the back pocket, I wasn’t sure how it would go.”
- Dylan Buckley speaking to CFC TV after the Round 2 match against Richmond.
THEY SAID IT
“He’s a super exciting player, very quick, super competitor and he’s been a revelation in our back half. We need to look at what our future holds and Dylan Buckley’s certainly going to be a big part of that.”
- Assistant coach John Barker speaking about Buckley’s future.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Buckley’s hard work was recognised on several fronts this year with a Rising Star nomination in Round 2, then being awarded Carlton’s Best Clubman and the Spirit of Carlton Award. Off the field his leadership skills were evident in his community work, with Buckley mentoring youth at the Juvenile Justice Centre. Buckley is also embarking on work with the YMCA’s Bridge Project to help young people get their lives back on track.
