SKIPPER TAKES ONE FOR TEAM

GRAND final stories are littered with players considered the unlucky ones, tapped on the shoulder by the coach and given the rough news they have not found a spot in the best 22.

Geelong Falcons cocaptain Charlie Francis, pictured, knows how that feels.

The 19-year-old has played a handful of games this year after missing the middle part of the season with a broken wrist.

But after Francis worked his way back into the side, coach Daniel O’Keefe was put in the unenviable position of dishing out the news.

Francis took it like a champion.

“I think obviously it’s but says the bond this year’s group has is indescribable.

Such is his love for his teammates that Francis put his hand up to help out where he can, even running water for the boys.

But it is not the first time Francis has been knocked down.

A routine medical test in 2015 unearthed a heartbeat irregularity later diagnosed as long QT syndrome.

It should have ended his sporting career, but he picked himself off the canvas to make his Falcons debut 12 months later.

For a realistic teenager mature beyond his years, this is another bump in a life filled with ups and downs.

“There are a lot of tough decisions to make, especially this year because there are so many good players in the squad, so I knew with all the players in the carnival coming back there’d be some stiff players missing out,” he said.

“Unfortunately one was me, so be it, you move on.

“I think you’ve got to look at the positives because if you get hung up on the negatives, you just get caught up in it all. You’ve just got to suck it up and enjoy watching your mates play and be a part of it all.

“This opportunity doesn’t come around often so you’ve got to enjoy it while it’s here.”

But Francis said the chance to be recognised as a Falcons co-captain in a premiership year would not be lost on him. “It’s a pretty proud title to have,” he said.

“Obviously it’s been a different year on the leadership front for me, having an injury, I was out for the chunk of the year.

“Leading from the back seat is a new challenge I haven’t really experienced. I think it’s been a good challenge to have, to give you an invaluable lesson on how to be a part of it when you’re not actually there.”

And there is no doubt a win would mean the world to Francis.

“The excitement and the buzz around the club, the week of the grand final, you just feed on that,” he said.

“I’d just love to see them get up; there’s so much talent in this year’s squad.”