Geelong Cats: Charlie Constable a shining light in JLT Series opener against West Coast

Geelong teenager Charlie Constable says he is hopeful his improved fitness and ability to run both ways will hold him in good stead should he earn an AFL debut this year.

GEELONG teenager Charlie Constable says he is hopeful his improved fitness and ability to run both ways will hold him in good stead should he earn an AFL debut this year.

Constable was one of the shining lights for the Cats in their opening JLT Community Series clash against West Coast on Friday night, registering 26 disposals, four tackle and three inside-50s in the 34-point loss.

But it was his two-way running and transition work that caught the eye, and the 19-year-old said he was confident his increased stamina would stand the test if he is called upon when the serious stuff starts in three weeks’ time.

“I hope so but it is just still about earning respect from my teammates,” Constable said.

“But if I get the chance at some stage this year I definitely think I will be ready and hopefully I can take that chance and stay in the team.

“I guess that was probably my main focus during the pre-season, to build my tank, so I would be able to play more minutes in the midfield and transition a little bit better.

“The fitness staff has done a really good job with me and I still have a long way to go but I think I am getting to a point now where I can be consistent with my work rate and I think that will help my game throughout this year.”

Constable was close to being named for Geelong on several occasions in 2018 but despite missing out he has put himself in the frame for the season opener against Collingwood following his performance against the Eagles.

Francis Watson (right) of the Eagles is tackled by Charlie Constable of the Cats during the AFL JLT Community Series. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

He said playing against the reigning premiers — who used 17 players from the team that defeated the Magpies in last year’s grand final — and seeing how hard its midfield worked was a valuable lesson.

“It was good to get the cobwebs out for the first game for the year and I think there were some positives to take out as a team so it was good,” Constable said.

“Obviously they are a very good midfield and they got a lot of the ball early. So it was quite good to play on them and learn what they do to be able to be so effective around the contest and on then on the spread as well.

“I think our whole midfield can take a little bit away from them, and hopefully that fast tracks my development a little bit as well.”

Constable was one of seven Geelong players that had not played a senior game for the Cats who took the field against West Coast, joining Tom Atkins, Darcy Fort, Gryan Miers, Jordan Clark and boom recruits Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan.

Originally published as Geelong Cats: Charlie Constable a shining light in JLT Series opener against West Coast