FIRST-YEAR Cat Jordan Clark’s move to the wing has unlocked yet another potential position for the versatile young West Australian.
Midfield coach Matthew Knights says Clark has flourished in his time roaming higher up the ground.
“What he’s shown so far gives us great insight that he’s going to be a really strong midfielder in time,” Knights says.
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“I even think that he could move into a central midfield role, just when he builds his body up and becomes more adaptable.”
Clark was shifted from defence after Zach Tuohy’s return to the side and has shown plenty of dash and courage in the last month of football.
“The first week or two there was plenty for him to learn and adapt to,” Knights says.
“He’s played a little bit of midfield obviously in juniors but for the first part of his career here, he was down back so it’s been a bit of an adaption.
“He was working out the challenges of being inside or outside. When to come in and support the team and when to stay out.
“It’s one of those roles that is difficult with decision-making at times. Over the last two or three weeks he’s really adapted well.
“He’s really eager to learn. He’s enjoying the role and as we’ve seen over the last three or four weeks, he’s really added to our mix out there with our run and carry and his speed and his penetrating kick.”
Knights says the courage Clark has demonstrated is built into the young Cat’s makeup.
“His contest work, whether it be on the ground or in the air, is very willing. He does it instinctively and that’s always a sign of a good contest player,” he says.
“Funnily enough they (contest players) don’t think about it too much they just go. Even some of his attack on the ball in the air as a winger has been first class.
“His adaption to the contest part of AFL footy has been first class and I think he’ll only get better and better at that.”
