“I’M ABSOLUTELY pumped to be a Blue.”
Marc Pittonet has arrived at Ikon Park, and he’s got his sights set on making an impact.
The ruckman officially made his way from Hawthorn to Carlton on Deadline Day, with the Blues exchanging picks Nos.54 and 63 for the big man (as well as pick No.61).
Outlined as “the premier ruckman of the VFL” by List Manager Michael Agresta, Pittonet enjoyed a standout season for Box Hill but was unable to dislodge Ben McEvoy at senior level.
Now officially a Carlton player, Pittonet said the decision to move to the Blues was an easy one once he became aware of the intent.
“When the opportunity came and [his manager] said ‘Carlton is interested in you’, I was so excited,” Pittonet said.
“Given my connections to the Club from people I knew and from what I’d seen from looking on the outside, I said to my manager that if we can try and pull this off to get there, Carlton is absolutely where I’d love to get to.”
Placing fourth in the J.J. Liston Trophy, Pittonet - who is coming of age as a 23-year-old ruckman - averaged over 15 disposals and 40 hitouts for the VFL Hawks, proving to be one of their driving forces in the 2018 premiership.
So how did Pittonet describe himself as a player?
“I’m an aggressive competitor, really: it’s pretty much the hallmark of my game,” he said.
“In terms of rucking, some soft tap work and really good follow-up around the contest are the main things to hang my hat on.”
List Manager Michael Agresta provided insight into Jack Martin discussions, while also commenting on Tom Papley and the upcoming draft.#BoundByBlue
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) October 17, 2019
Pittonet is familiar with a number of his new teammates already, with Jack Silvagni a former teammate at Xavier along with David Cuningham at the Oakleigh Chargers. Then, there’s Matthew Owies, who he played basketball with growing up.
The former Hawk has also had discussions with his new coach — he was quick to praise his relationships with people.
“I have met David Teague already. He’s a really good bloke and I’m liking his ability to connect.
“Looking outside, especially in the back half of the year when the boys were playing exciting football, you could see the energy and excitement they were bringing and the fans’ involvement.
“It looked like a really good place which would have some exciting years ahead.”