Young Geelong midfielder Jhye Clark will debut against Richmond on Friday night at the MCG, Cats coach Chris Scott confirmed on Thursday.
The 18 year old was taken with the 8th pick in the 2022 NAB AFL Draft and will be Geelong’s second debutant for the season after Cooper Whyte debuted in Round 2 against Carlton.
Clark collected 12 touches in a half of football against Southport at GMHBA Stadium last week playing predominantly through the middle of the ground, which followed a breakout 29 disposal, five marks, four tackles performance against Coburg at Piranha Park the week prior.
The Queenscliff product arrived at GMHBA Stadium from the Geelong Falcons where he was captain for the 2022 NAB League Boys season, as well as the reigning best and fairest, while also leading VIC Country during national championships, where he finished runner-up to the number two overall pick Will Ashcroft in Larke Medal voting.
Clark averaged 25 and 23 touches per game for the Falcons and VIC Country respectively and presents as a hard-edged, highly competitive player who also earned NAB League Team of the Year Honours in 2022.
Clark will be the 1109th player to pull on the Hoops for the Cats.
