The Carlton Football Club embarked on the second stage of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2017.
After registering six wins, the Blues finished the season in 16th place on the ladder.
Despite falling four points short of the 2016 season, Carlton won more quarters in 2017, demonstrating the growth of the playing group in its second year with Bolton at the helm.
With the team now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton defender Caleb Marchbank.
GAMES
Season 2017: 16
Career: 23
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 248 (15.50) Kicks: 184 (11.50) Marks: 102 (6.38) Contested possessions: 80 (5.00) Rebound 50s: 49 (3.06) One-percenters: 60 (3.75) Intercepts: 97 (6.06)
OVERVIEW
Caleb Marchbank entered Carlton’s fold after seeking a trade to Ikon Park during last year’s trade period.
Keen to earn the respect of his new teammates, the former Giant put in the hard yards during pre-season to pull on the navy blue in Round 1.
On the opening night of the season, the 20-year-old turned heads with his instinctive read on the play, gathering five intercept marks and 13 intercept possessions against the Tigers.
He went on to become the first of five young Blues nominated for the 2017 NAB AFL Rising Star in Round 6, but was restricted to just 10 matches thereafter with injury playing another part in his third year in the AFL.
Establishing himself as a valued pillar in the Blues’ defence, Marchbank finished the season ranked second only to Sam Docherty for average intercepts at Carlton, and first in this category among the 2017 crop of Rising Star nominees.
After a breakout season in the navy blue, the intercept specialist is primed to reach new heights in 2018.
BEST PERFORMANCE
Marchbank led the way in defence against Collingwood in Round 7.
Utilising his footy smarts, the Round 6 Rising Star nominee recorded an equal game-high six intercept marks on top of 21 disposals to earn four AFL Coaches’ Association votes.
While the black and white outfit had four more inside 50s during the clash, Marchbank and his fellow defenders kept a watchful eye on the Pies’ forwards to play a significant role in Carlton’s 23-point triumph.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
He may be known for his aerial prowess but Marchbank’s pressure closer to ground is also admirable.
Against Richmond in Round 14, the young defender denied speedster Dan Butler a certain six points with a crunching tackle on the last line of defence.
