When the team travelled to Bendigo with big men Matthew Allan, David Hille and Jason Laycock all sidelined, the majority of the ruck duties fell into the hands of Cartledge.
It was a big ask for the 19-year old who is yet to make his senior AFL debut, especially when his opponent was Geelong’s more experienced Brad Ottens, but Cartledge embraced the occasion.
""There were obviously a few injuries and I had an opportunity."" Cartledge said.
""It went well, I suppose. I played a bit better than what I had been, so I was pretty happy. It was just great to get out there and play on a quality opponent like Brad Ottens and get a few touches.""
Many onlookers at the game believe it was Cartledge who took the honours in the ruck dual, with Ottens struggling to have an impact on the match.
However Cartledge remained modest about his performance. ""I suppose it was only a practice match, but it is always good to beat a player of his calibre, so I guess I will take that,"" he said.
But now with the practice matches over and only nine days remaining until the Bombers first match, Cartledge is a real ‘smokey’ to play as Matthew Allan’s back up with Hille (calf) and Laycock (knee) both three weeks from playing.
""If I get the opportunity to play in Round 1 it would be fantastic, it will be a challenge but its something that I would look forward to,"" he said.
Cartledge has worked hard over the pre-season to take the next step in his career and despite missing the first month with a knee injury, he is happy with his preparation.
""After the knee, everything has gone really well. I just keep stepping it up and my fitness is improving week by week and getting better,"" he said.
""This pre-season I have done a bit of extra work with Barnesy, our ruck coach which has been really good and a bit of outside work out has also helped. I am also doing a uni degree in Exercise Science and Human Movement and I think that has help to take my mind of footy a little bit.""
""I just want to break into the team, that’s all and string a few games together. I don’t really have a target or a set number of games I want to play, I am just going to take it as it comes and once I get in, stay in.""
