THE second-most intercept marks since the stat was first recorded.
That was the reality for Levi Casboult, who put together a best-afield performance for Carlton in the gritty 10-point win over St Kilda.
Continuing the form which has typified a career renaissance in 2019, Casboult returned to the back half and performed with aplomb against the Saints.
It was no surprise that Casboult came in for praise from his new senior coach.
“I thought his game was outstanding,” David Teague said post-match.
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“He just seems to read the flight of the ball really well: he’s so big and strong and has a big engine on him.”
After playing his entire career as a forward, Casboult was thrown into the back-end midway through the year after an injury to Liam Jones.
Over the next month, he would rank third in the AFL for intercept marks. However, when personnel returned, Casboult shifted back to familiar territory.
Early in the week, it became evident that the Blues would have to call on Levi: and he delivered, once again.
“We knew Jones was going to be out, so it was going to be Casboult and Weitering (before injury) in the back half,” Teague said.
“Levi played really well down in the back line halfway through the year.
“His form at either end of the ground has been really good for us.”
His tally of nine intercept marks was just one shy of the record since Champion Data started recording the stat in 1999, while his 20 disposals were a career-high.