He made his debut in 1989, however in the five seasons he spent at the club until 1993, he never could consolidate a position with spots for big players of his type competitive.
Terry Wheeler, then coach of the Bulldogs, was willing to put him up for trade, however Charles quit the club and took a year off from football.
Charles took a year off football in 1994, in frustration, when he turned his hand to baseball, playing in the minor league with the Florida Marlins.
The former plumber was surprisingly picked up in the 1994 AFL Draft by Richmond and immediately impressed the club with his work ethic.
Charles made a return to AFL football late in 1998 but injury led to his retirement shortly after, finishing with 54 games and 38 goals for the Tigers.