Marc Pittonet | 2020 Season Review
Written by Joseph Addamo
Throughout the 2020 off-season, Blue Abroad will be providing content to cover everything you need to know about the Carlton Football Club.
After a largely improved season, we will be reviewing every player that pulled on the famous Navy Blue guernsey in 2020.
This is the Blue Abroad Player Review for Carlton’s #27 – Marc Pittonet.
SEASON SYNOPSIS
After what would ultimately prove to be a career-ending injury for Carlton’s tractor, Matthew Kreuzer, newly acquired ruckman Marc Pittonet was given the reins from the season restart as his successor. ‘Pitto’ began his career in Navy Blue strongly as the sole ruck, before forming a tandem with Tom De Koning later in the season.
Among ruckmen in 2020, ‘Pitto’ ranked above average in contested possession rate (73.3%), clearances (3.1), hitouts to advantage % (30.9%) and contested marks (1.1). He ranked average among his ruck peers for disposals per game (8.5), ground ball gets (3.1), hitouts (22.4) and marks (1.8).
In ruck years, Pittonet could still be considered a baby Blue. With so much scope for improvement, and the chemistry witnessed with ‘TDK’ in the same side, there is still plenty of upside to Carlton’s fresh-faced big man to come.
BEST PERFORMANCE
‘Pitto’ began his career in Navy Blue in Round 2’s season restart vs. Melbourne – a baptism of fire against the competition’s most formidable ruckman, Max Gawn. While a slow start for ‘Pitto’ and the Blues that day sank Carlton hearts, a second-half surge brought the game back to life, with Pittonet playing a leading hand.
He finished the game with 23 hitouts, 14 disposals, 2 tackles, 5 clearances, 3 marks, 5 one percenters and 14 pressure acts from 85% time on ground. While Gawn had his way for most of the afternoon - as he does so often regardless of his opponent - ‘Pitto’ more than held his own against the game’s biggest test.
He followed up the performance a week later with 36 hitouts in a stirring win vs. Geelong, highlighting his influence when he is at his absolute best on game day.
OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK
Acquired late in the 2019 trade period, Pittonet joined the Blues on a two-year deal, which expires at the end of the 2021 season. Considering the retirement of ‘Kreuz’ this season, Blues fans can expect to see ‘Pitto’ and ‘TDK’ battle for the #1 ruck mantle for years to come.
At just 24 years of age, Pittonet still has much room for growth, as he endeavours to become a more well-rounded ruckman heading into 2021. Speaking on his ruck ambitions with CFC Media prior to his debut:
My game is built on being in the contest… it’s more physically demanding from a hitting bodies point-of-view, rather than necessarily churning out kilometres…
Will we see a Pitto-TDK tandem going forward, Blues fans? Who would you prefer as your #1 ruck in Navy Blue?
2020 REPORT CARD RATING
B-
STATUS HEADING INTO 2021
Fringe 22 Player
