The Blues’ young playing list was faced with a number of challenges in 2018, and as a result, finished the year with fewer wins than previous seasons.

However, the valuable experience gained by first and second-year players, coupled with the resilience it built within the team, will no doubt hold the Club in good stead for years to come.

With the side now on a break, we’re analysing each player’s year in statistics. Here’s the review for Carlton’s No.22, Caleb Marchbank.

GAMES

2018: 12
Career: 35

GOALS

2018: 0
Career: 0    

BY THE NUMBERS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 160 (13.3) Efficient disposals: 121 (10.1) Contested possessions: 50 (4.2) One-percenters: 76 (6.3) Metres gained: 2562 (213.5) Tackles: 24 (2.0)

2018 IN FOCUS
While Marchbank was struck with injury again in 2018, the developing defender’s limited appearances on the big stage reminded the Carlton faithful of the former Giant's capabilities. Reliable and robust in the Blues’ defence – averaging 4.4 marks a game – Marchbank cemented himself as a key defender at Carlton.

Spending time across full- and half-back in 2018, the 193cm GWS recruit averaged 8.3 kicks a game. At 21 years of age, he will be looking to gain greater consistency in both his body and game come season 2019.

BEST PERFORMANCE
Marchbank amassed career-high disposals (21) against the Western Bulldogs in Round 21. In what was his best game of the year, the 2014 first-round selection (GWS Giants) also boasted career-high marks (11) and rebound 50s (six) in the 17-point loss to the Bulldogs.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Marchbank shone in the Blues’ season-opening clash against Richmond, where he collected eight one-percenters, 19 disposals at 84.2 percent efficiency, six contested possessions, six marks and four tackles.