Season 2015 was a challenging year for the Carlton Football Club, which ultimately finished 18th 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 midfielder Mark Whiley:
GAMES
Season 2015: 12
Career: 20
GOALS
Season 2015: 1
Career: 3
KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 95 (11.88) Contested Possessions: 45 (5.63) Uncontested Possessions: 53 (6.63) Tackles: 33 (4.13) Clearances: 27 (3.38)
OVERVIEW
After spending three years at Greater Western Sydney, Mark Whiley was rapt when he was traded to Carlton – the team he supported growing up.
In his first year at Ikon Park, Whiley’s performances at VFL level for the Northern Blues ultimately saw him rewarded with a string of uninterrupted games for Carlton.
He made his debut for the Blues in Round 5, which was a massive Friday night game against Collingwood at the MCG.
In Round 22, against his old side, Whiley racked up 19 disposals (eight contested), four tackles, three rebounds and five hit-outs in his best game for the Blues.
To cap off a wonderful debut season for Carlton, Whiley came equal-third with Northern Blues captain Brent Bransgrove in the 2015 Laurie Hill Trophy count, finishing on 51 votes.
Mark Whiley shows off his grunt work against Collingwood. (Photo: AFL Photos)
HE SAID IT
“I found out on Thursday, so the day before in the team meeting – I was rapt. I just tried to keep my preparation pretty normal and have the same sort of lead up. Looking back now it was pretty surreal to play my first game on the big stage, I’m really privileged and really thankful.”
- Mark Whiley talking to CFC TV after his debut game in the Navy Blue in Round 5.
THEY SAID IT
"He’s (Whiley) been able to find the footy through the midfield…he had eight or nine clearances…he’s doing a lot of hard things in the stoppages for us. He’ll be one who puts his name up for senior selection this week."
- Former Northern Blues coach Luke Webster discussing Mark Whiley’s form ahead of the ANZAC Day weekend.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
The big-bodied midfielder’s highest-polling game in the Laurie Hill Trophy came in the big loss to North Ballarat in Round 16, registering 14 votes for his 31-disposal effort against the Roosters.
