After overcoming two knee reconstructions throughout his short AFL career, Callum Bartlett feels as though his body is as strong as ever.

Bartlett was a highly rated junior with the Geelong Falcons, before a ruptured ACL in his final U18 season saw him slide in the 2009 AFL National Draft and land at the Lions.

Now, at the beginning of his fourth AFL season, Bartlett says he’s feeling no lingering effects from his previous knee complaints.

“(I’ve had) no knee problems – I haven’t lost any pace,” Bartlett told Lions fans during a live chat on Wednesday.

Even though he remains on the Club’s rookie list, he remains hopeful of still working towards an elusive senior AFL debut – particularly after completing his first ever full pre-season.  

“I’ve gotta play good footy in the Reserves first and get myself off the rookie list,” he said.

“Then hopefully I get my chance.”

“It’s definitely frustrating, but waiting 3-4 years is motivation enough.” 

Bartlett has spent most of his time between the midfield and forward line, and has even received some special advice from one of the game’s all-time greats.

“When I spend time in the midfield, I always get Blacky to go over anything he is noticing and what we can improve on,” he said.

“If I’m finding it hard to get into the game for whatever reason, I always go back to basics – like chasing and tackling.”