Jake Carlisle impressing his new St Kilda teammates with his work ethic

After having a stormy start to his life at St Kilda, Jake Carlisle is finally coming into the respect books of his teammates with his hard work and dedication on the training field.

Controversy surrounded Carlisle’s arrival at the Saints when a video emerged showcasing the defender’s use of illicit drugs. Carlisle received a strike under the illicit drug policy. It resulted in a suspension from the opening two games of the upcoming season.

Carlisle did not stop there, he went on to arrive late to training which accounted for an early morning session for him along with his teammates.

St Kilda defender Jarryn Geary has stated that the 24-year-old Carlisle has completely revamped himself and has upped his training workload after starting on a restricted program. Geary has also praised Carlisle’s “great work ethic”.

“He’s been really good. One thing you can definitely tell from the short time he’s been here is he’s got a great work ethic,” Geary said as reported by the Herald Sun.

Geary went on to state that the former Essendon defender doesn’t have to do anything special but to work hard and wait for his opportunity to deliver for the club.

"Obviously it will be a bit of a belated start but when he does I'm sure he'll play some good footy for the club." Geary added.

Saints captain Nick Riewoldt who is currently in US on an extended leave was in contact with Geary and the number 14 has backed his captain to return refreshed for the New Year.

The product of Eaglehawk Football Club has captained St Kilda before on the absence of Riewoldt and has stated that there is no hurry regarding the selection of next year’s leadership.

"He's been captain for a long time and a really good one at that, so whoever does take over is going to have pretty big shoes to fill when the time comes, but I'm not sure when that will be. The decision will probably be down to what he wants to do.” Geary added.

Jake Carlisle is not the only St Kilda player to impress in training this season with the youngsters Jack Newnes and Seb Ross have also been standouts.