- Sep 4, 2014
- 3,014
- 4,111
- AFL Club
- Western Bulldogs
I’ve been very critical on Clarke because we are crying out for a small forward/ creative half forward. This pick is critical for the list build.
I really think we need to give him a preseason before we cast proper judgement, my main gripe is that he doesn’t look conditioned for league footy which is understandable for a first year player that has not had a preseason. With Clarke’s fitness not being up to scratch it’s really hard to see what player projects to be, he looks more like a Gryan Myers type to me at this stage.
The big problem I see for Clarke is that you don’t get long on a list as a small forward if you aren’t playing afl footy early you are cast aside pretty quickly. He must have a big preseason and I hope the coaches drill this into him.
Buss looks a fair bit off afl footy. His improved, but I’d be suprised if he plays early next year. I’d rather Darcy play third tall supported by Jones and JOD.
The club would be well aware he was going to take time. I said in the draft thread last year Clarke would take a while before he’s ready as his endurance testing was poor. No preseason set him back further unfortunately.
The Miers comparison is a decent one for what it’s worth. Clarke was the number 1 assist player at NAB league level.