The Carlton Football Club began the first leg of its journey under senior coach Brendon Bolton in 2016.
After notching up seven wins for the season – three more than last year – the Blues ended up finishing 14th on the ladder.
With the team now on a break, we’re taking a look back at each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton’s No. 24, Mark Whiley:
GAMES
Season 2016: 1
Career: 21
GOALS
Season 2016: 0
Career: 3
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 16 (16.00) Kicks: 8 (8.00) Marks: 2 (2.00) Contested Possessions: 5 (5.00) Uncontested Possessions: 10 (10.00) Tackles: 1 (1.00)
OVERVIEW
Despite only playing one senior game this season, Mark Whiley was a dominant performer for the Northern Blues.
With a season interrupted by injury, the midfielder ran out for Northern on 10 occasions.
The 23-year-old was instrumental in Northern’s 40-point victory over Frankston in Round 9. In only his second game back after being sidelined with a calf injury, Whiley delivered an outstanding performance in the middle, recording 31 disposals, seven tackles and a season high 11 clearances.
Whiley has finished the year ranked first at the Club for clearances, second for contested possessions and third for disposals.
Mark Whiley celebrates with teammate Charlie Curnow in Round 3's clash with Gold Coast. (Photo: AFL Photos)
HE SAID IT
“It was good to bounce back from a disappointing one last week – we came in with a few focuses, honed in on them and it was good to get the result.”
– Whiley talks to Carlton Media after the Northern Blues defeated the North Ballarat in Round 15.
THEY SAID IT
“He was again significant around the stoppages and contested ball: it was a bull-like performance in tight in tough conditions. He got the ball going forward our way and was relentless for four quarters.”
– Northern Blues coach Josh Fraser praises Whiley’s performance in his side’s Round 10 victory over Box Hill.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
The midfielder was a force to be reckoned with when the Northern Blues took on North Ballarat in Round 15. In his most outstanding performance of the year, the 23-year-old racked up a season high 38 disposals, eight clearances, four inside 50s and two goals.
