By Lewis Mulvey
Having had an AFL career cut short at both Essendon and Richmond, you might be excused for thinking the 100 VFL game milestone could have a bittersweet nature for North Ballarat ruck star Tristan Cartledge.
“It’s not a milestone I set out to achieve when I got drafted,” he told the VFL website on the eve of the milestone. “But it’s come around pretty quickly so I’m happy with it.”
While his 100th game will not be played at AFL level, Cartledge can take solace that it will be with the club that he first started playing for 13 years ago, when he was dragged along by a mate to have a kick for the North Ballarat Under-12s. And it is the club closest to his heart.
“I’ve never had any problems with North Ballarat,” Cartledge said. “It’s home. They have a lot of respect for me, so I have a great relationship with the club and the people here.”
His coach Gerard FitzGerald listed Cartledge’s athleticism and a desire to improve as the reasons he has come from such humble beginnings to being one of the premier ruckman in the VFL competition.
“He is fantastic to work with both on and off the field,” FitzGerald said. “And he’s a pleasure to coach.”
Cartledge was drafted by Essendon in 2002, but only managed seven AFL games before being delisted in 2006. He was thrown a lifeline by Richmond in 2008, but again could only manage two AFL games in the season. It is a period that Cartledge looks back on with mixed feelings.
“I didn’t achieve what I wanted to achieve,” he said. “But they are both great institutions with great history.”
These days, Cartledge has settled back into Ballarat life. He started a Sports Management degree in 2007 at the University of Ballarat, and his coach said his study was another major reason for his return to the club.
“We thought it was in his best interests that he come back to Ballarat and complete the degree, as he now has to be preparing for his future. He has settled in really well, and I still think he has great footy in front of him.”
And as the Roosters’ form continues to impress, who could blame Cartledge for feeling settled? The prospect of winning the elusive senior premiership that his mates claimed last year provides extra motivation.
“I’d like to win a senior premiership, as I’ve only won junior premierships so far in my career,” he said.
With the Roosters playing well, and Cartledge providing his strong ruck service (not to mention a few goals), that prospect could soon become a reality.
Last Modified on 04/06/2009 11:40