BACKLINE leader Tom Stewart says talented young Cat Jordan Clark has returned to training with a clear and obvious hunger to regain his place in the best 22.

Clark managed just three AFL outings last season after an impressive first year at the Cats, during which his turn of speed and penetrating kicking had earmarked him as a star of the future.

Clark has bounced between the wing and half back early in his career and battled injury, dislocating his shoulder after earning his place back in the side last season.

“Last year he was as disappointed as anyone at himself,” Tom Stewart says.

“Injuries and being a young player don’t help that, but he’s impatient and I think that’s the best thing about Clarky.

“He’s come back in really good nick, running personal bests in his time trials and training really well so he’s given himself every opportunity to play.

“He wants to play and he wants to play right now.”

Geelong’s back six will have a different look this season, lining up without club stalwart Harry Taylor for the first time since 2007.

Mark Blicavs seems the obvious direct replacement for Taylor, having spent a large portion of last season playing through the ruck and wing positions.

“It will be different but also more of the same,” Stewart says.

 “Obviously we have Blitz in our arsenal that can potentially come back and fill that void.

“We’ve had the same eight or nine roll through that backline for the last four or five years now.

“We’re very confident in who can play those roles now and we love playing with each other down there.”

Two uncapped Cats have raised their hands for selection and will be ready to take their opportunity with both hands should it fall their way.

“We’ve had a few boys who have been training with us down there, Kreugs (Nathan Kreuger) is obviously one and Nick Stevens is another one who has come in and impressed from day one which has been quite pleasing,” Stewart says.

“Having those boys that are ready and training well is obviously a good thing for us.

Kreuger has made the move into defence after spending the majority of his young career up forward.

The athletic swingman has now filled out his 196cm frame and will be hoping to earn his first opportunity at the top level in his third season on the Cats list.

Stevens was drafted by the Cats at pick 47 in last December’s draft after having spent time at the club earlier in 2020 as a part of the AFL-AIS academy.

The sharp ball user has caught the eye of defensive coach Matthew Scarlett early in pre-season.