Charlie Constable didn't play in Vic Metro's first game of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, instead watching along from home as his side toppled Western Australia in Perth.
But he didn't have to wait much longer to show his wares. The next week Constable came into the team and collected a game-high 31 disposals, plus six marks and six inside-50s, as Metro crunched Vic Country at Punt Road Oval.
It was the start of a productive carnival for Constable, who averaged 26 disposals in three games, pushed forward at times, distributed the ball nicely and won All Australian honours.
Constable was also a key player for the Sandringham Dragons on their passage to the TAC Cup Grand Final, overcoming a groin injury in the finals to return for the premiership decider and gather 21 disposals and kick two goals.
Plain and simple: the 18-year-old is one of the leading inside midfielders in the draft. In 10 games for the Dragons this year, Constable averaged 20 disposals and four clearances at an efficiency of 72 per cent.
What also will attract clubs to Constable is his size and shape. Although he will need to add some more muscle to his frame, when that comes he will be tough to move out of the way given he stands at 191cm, which is the type of big and tall midfielder clubs are clamouring for.
Constable isn't quick, so most of his work is done in tight spaces and without the same zip out of stoppages that other prospects possess. In Constable, clubs won't get an explosive player but they will get a high-production one.
The comparisons to Patrick Cripps have been made across the season and they make a bit of sense given Constable's status as a clearance king for his age.
Looks likely to be taken later in the first round or in the early stages of the second round.
You get what you see with Constable, plus a little bit more. He's the guy who starts things, who finds the ball at the bottom of the pack and is the first link in the chain. He will be a valuable player at the next level.
