2003
As with all of Essendon's young ruck players, they are nurtured and not pushed to play senior footy at a young age. Therefore, Cartledge has always been viewed as a long-term prospect by the coaching panel. He played a number of games for the Bendigo Bombers this season as well as playing for his school team, Essendon Grammar. At this early stage Cartledge has shown great potential and is expected to be a key contributor in the Bomber line-up in years to come.
STRENGTHS
At 197cm tall, Cartledge has a good leap and makes great use of his second efforts. He is quick and athletic and the club sees a lot of potential in him. With the recruitment of Matthew Allan to the club and the improvement of David Hille, Cartledge has good ruck talent to learn from.
POSITION
Cartledge is a true ruckman and the club is happy to take its time with the 18-year-old and work on developing his physical strength and ruck technique. Assistant coach Robert Shaw said that Cartledge is a good project player for the club and one that they are looking forward to developing.
2004
At just 18-years-old, the club will be in no hurry to rush Cartledge into the senior ranks. He will continue to ruck for the Bendigo Bombers this season and focus on improving his work at stoppages. Another major focus for Cartledge in 2004 will be to improve his physical strength.
WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
Tristan Cartledge was the youngest player on an AFL list last year. There are many here at the club who believe that if he was in the 2003 AFL Draft he would have been in the top 10 selections. Picking him at 17 years of age in 2002, he finished year 12 last year and he is now ready to put his hand up and be a player that has the athleticism and talent to go a long way. We think he will be a really good ruckmen for us in years to come.
