CARLTON came within three points of downing the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night, but fell devastatingly short in the dying seconds.

Forward-turned-defender Levi Casboult was a pillar in the Blues backline, finishing the day with seven marks and four tackles.

Casboult reflected on the Blues fight-back efforts following the defeat.

“I’m proud of the boys for the fight-back, but we’ll have to look at what we did wrong to give them a five-goal head start,” Casboult said.

“Obviously really disappointing to give up the lead.”

Despite the loss on Saturday night, the Blues have brought a new level of intensity to their last two outings.

Reflecting on the mindset of the playing group, Casboult credited the offensive flair to a new-found freedom amongst the Blues.

“We’re playing with a bit of freedom, just in all facets,” he said.

“We’re not thinking about mistakes, whether it be in offense or defensive, just committing to the decision we make.”

“Teaguey’s been really good at backing us in and hopefully that holds us in good stead for the future.”

Casboult was one of many top performers in Carlton’s line-up, Charlie Curnow also impressing with a career-high seven goals.

His impact undeniable against the Bulldogs, Casboult was happy to commend his teammate on the performance.

“He’s a star. It’s good to see him get on the end of a few,” he said.

“He holds himself to such high standards and he hadn’t quite hit them from what he was at last year, but he couldn’t drop one today.”