CIARAN Byrne enjoyed one of his most well-rounded performances for Carlton at the weekend.

Featuring across half-back for the Blues, Byrne mixed flair with physicality in both attack and defence throughout the 17-point loss. 

The Irishman collected 22 disposals against the Western Bulldogs, just one shy of his career-best. 

However, he didn’t stop there, with his tackling efforts arguably the feature of his game. 

Prompting calls of being a “tackling machine” on commentary, Byrne’s six tackles included three run-downs which resulted in free kicks for his side. 

Coach Brendon Bolton praised the performance of the 23-year-old, who stood up as part of Carlton’s miserly defence at Etihad Stadium.

“I thought Byrne tackled really well. You could see some of his speed and ability to tackle,” Bolton told media post-match.

“Until the last quarter, the Dogs were well below (scoring at) 50 percent per entry. We held up alright down there.”

It was arguably Byrne’s best performance in his 21 games, since making his debut in 2015. 

Coincidentally, his game against Hawthorn late last year — which is arguably the challenger to the ‘best game’ title — was exactly a year before the Bulldogs game (August 19).

It was Byrne’s fourth consecutive match in the past month, after another injury-interrupted season for the Blue. A quad injury kept him out of action for three months earlier this year. 

Byrne and Bluebaggers alike will be hopeful the injury troubles are a thing of the past for the Irishman, particularly if Sunday’s performances are consistent features in the future.