GEELONG is hopeful the first full pre-season of Jordan Clark’s football career will set him up for a strong 2020 season.

The 19-year-old has spent the majority of his summers honing his cricket skills, having formerly lined-up for Australia’s junior program.

Despite training without contact prior to Christmas after undergoing elbow surgery late last season, the young speedster is right on track.

“This is his first full pre-season and he has hardly missed a session,” Geelong football manager Simon Lloyd told the Geelong Advertiser.

“He’s completing everything, he’s progressing really well and has taken significant steps.

“He’s very comfortable in all our match simulation. He’s an attacking and creative player and likes to take the game on. He and others are very important to where we want to go.”

Geelong’s young core is critical for the future of the Cats, with the club taking the most 18-21yo players in the league into the 2020 season.

“Our middle-tier players have had strong pre-seasons and there may be some opportunities through the Marsh games for those players,” Lloyd said.

“We expect our core that is coming through – and there are a large number of players in that core – to make contributions in the coming season.”

Fourth-year Cat Zach Guthrie has been one to impress

“Guthrie has had a strong pre-season,” Lloyd said.

“Zach has been still training with the defenders but also going through the midfield and has done a large bulk of work.”