IT was an engrossing 257th meeting of traditional rivals Carlton and Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.

Carlton was at its competitive best against last year’s Grand Finalists, but a late flurry ultimately saw the Blues fall 19 points short to the comeback Pies.

On the hunt for redemption after their loss to North Melbourne, the Blues brought the intensity from the first bounce – none more so than persistent defender Caleb Marchbank. 

“It’s pretty disappointing – I thought our effort and intent were really good for three and a half quarters but unfortunately we just couldn’t get it done,” Marchbank said post-match.

“We’ll go through the week and look at what we did well and what we didn’t do well and look to move on from there.”

The Blues stuck with the Pies all day, quelling any momentum until late in the final term.

Throughout the course of the afternoon,  the match went in ebbs and flows: unfortunately for the Blues, the final stanza went Collingwood’s way.

“[Those momentum shifts] were really pleasing for us, I think the most they kicked was two or three goals [consecutively],” he said. 

“For us as a group to stop them and then also change momentum and kick three or four was pleasing to see.”

In the absence of Liam Jones, Nic Newman and Kade Simpson, the responsibility fell on a relatively new-look defensive set-up to get the job done.

Despite the loss, the young defender was back at his impermeable best, finishing the day with 11 interception possessions and nine marks. 

“It would be better if we had the win, but I’m glad that I’m back to my best footy,” he said of his performance.

That Blues’ backline has seen opportunities knock recently, with a trio of injuries over the last fortnight. 

Despite those setbacks, Marchbank is confident the Blues’ defence can remain a key strength with a team-first attitude.

“It’s pretty disappointing to have a few injuries but we play a team defence, we don’t rely on one or two players,” he said.

“We’ve got full confidence in people that come in to step up and fill that void.”