Constable commits
GEELONG young gun Charlie Constable has put to bed speculation that he might look to leave the club, confirming he wants to be a Cat in 2020.
The ball-winning midfielder had been linked with a move this trade period after struggling to secure AFL game time despite sensational VFL form statistically.
Constable, who is contracted for two more seasons, played seven senior games early this season, averaging 21 touches. He averaged 26 touches and five tackles in his 12 VFL games.
Asked if he would be a Cat in 2020, he said: “I think I will be for sure.
“I did see a bit of that (rumours of a trade), but I don’t know where that’s come from.
“I am just focused on going away, getting fitter and trying to get into the team for next year.”
Constable said the main message from his exit interview last week was that he needed to continue to work on his endurance.
“It was all about just building my tank and being able to get to each contest as quickly as possible. And also to keep playing to my strengths as best as possible,” he said.
Constable racked up a stack of the footy at VFL level, including 35 touches in the elimination final loss to Port Melbourne and 41 possessions against North Melbourne.
Despite the high numbers, Constable fell out of favour at the selection table, not featuring at AFL level after Round 9.
He said he saw 2019 as a solid year for his development.
“It was a bit frustrating that I couldn’t play, but at the same time I understood where I was at. We have a lot of good players in there,” he said.
“Hopefully it goes my way next year.
“But it was a good year for learning, I reckon.”
Constable said he was motivated to put in a strong preseason and help push the Cats towards finals in 2020.
“Hopefully the club will be in a successful position come September next year as well and hopefully I am a part of that,” he said.
“But I guess that starts after this — getting a lot of running in, getting fitter and stronger and seeing how we go.”