Carlton recruit Caleb Marchbank says having full-back of the century Stephen Silvagni as a big fan has done wonders for his confidence.
Silvagni has long been an admirer of Marchbank, recruiting the key defender to Greater Western Sydney when he was the club’s list manager back in 2014.
Now holding the same position at Carlton, Silvagni played a major role in luring Marchbank to Ikon Park after the Benalla product played just seven games across two injury-interrupted seasons with the Giants.
As he attempts to establish himself in a young Blues line-up, Marchbank raves about the sage advice he's received from a man that regularly quelled Hall of Fame forwards Gary Ablett, Tony Lockett and Jason Dunstall across 312 games in the navy blue.
“SOS watches us during training and he’s always there if you want to ask him a question about body position or anything like that,” Marchbank told AFL.com.au.
'He’s someone I’ve learnt from during the pre-season.
"It’s good to have him on your side, he gives you plenty of confidence.”
The 20-year-old’s desire to also become an accomplished AFL footballer has been made easier by just completing his first injury-free pre-season after being hampered by back, knee and shoulder injuries over the past few years.
His goal now is to play regular senior footy, and form a formidable combination with fellow young key defenders Jacob Weitering and Lachie Plowman that will help the youthful Blues push up the ladder.
Caleb Marchbank has made an instant impact at the Blues. (Photo: AFL Media)
"I just want to win the respect of my teammates and coaches, and I’ll do that by playing a few good games,” Marchbank said.
"We’ve got a really inexperienced side and I think we’ve got the most players aged 21 and under in the competition.
"I’m looking forward to working with Weitering and Plowman throughout the year.
"I'm also looking forward to what I can bring to the team this season.”
Marchbank's 17-disposal performance against St Kilda on Saturday followed his impressive first hit-out for Carlton, where he gathered 18 disposals and 10 marks in the JLT Community Series loss to Melbourne.
He was named in the Blues' best players in both those hit-outs and is set to feature prominently in their backline in 2017.
