Levi Casboult pushing closer to contract trigger after reinventing himself as key defender
Much like his teammate Liam Jones, Levi Casboult’s move into defensive could be the switch which saves his AFL career.
Levi Casboult’s career reinvention as a full back could see him triggering a contract for 2020 if he continues his strong form.
Casboult has been a spectacular success since being pushed to full back with Liam Jones went down with concussion midway through Round 7.
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The 29-year-old has been a strong marking forward but has frustrated fans with his inconsistency and set-shot accuracy.
His manager Anthony McConville yesterday confirmed Casboult had a trigger clause on a two-year deal signed at the end of 2017.
But with Casboult having played 21 games since the start of that deal he will need to play almost every game to automatically trigger that deal.
Regardless he has put himself in a strong position to extend his career after being the subject of trade speculation in past seasons.
His game on the weekend — 102 ranking points, six intercept marks, four contested marks — was statistically his best for the season.
Interim coach David Teague said Casboult had been a revelation in recent weeks.
“He trained in the pre-season there and to be honest Shane Watson threw up, “What about him at centre half back?”
“We trialled him and Patrick Kerr. It was in-game, Liam Jones got injured he had done some work over the pre-season and he has been outstanding since.
“His marking at the moment is very strong, his ball use is really good, he is having a really strong season.”
Jack Silvagni had 154 ranking points, 11 tackles, 26 possessions and three goals in the VFL on Saturday, with Teague happy he had responded to his demotion.
“We want selection pressure, we want five or six or seven names missing out because the form is so strong above them,” he said.
“It’s the culture we want to create where you have to perform to keep your spot, and if you don’t the next guy is ready to go.”
Dale Thomas and Ed Curnow are both in strong positions to play on next year as their excellent form continues.
Originally published as Levi Casboult pushing closer to contract trigger after reinventing himself as key defender
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