News Marty Clarke - All grown up

[the_champ_2004]

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/all-grown-up-20111019-1m87f.html

THE difference between Marty Clarke now and the old Marty Clarke is the difference between the kid who sets off backpacking around the world and the adult who shifts overseas for work.

When Marty Clarke arrived in Australia the first time he was like the backpackers who thumb rides in his own country. After three years he had seen this corner of the world and hankered for home.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/all-grown-up-20111019-1m87f.html

interesting read.

 

[Swooop]

Thanks the champ 2004, that was a good read.

He sounds very determined, and I like that he knocked back more $ at Carlton to come to us.

Reckon Bucks will give him a role where he can use his creativity more than before, and his elite endurance will be a big plus with the rotations aswell.

 

[mattys123]

The best part of that whole article was;

He has signed a three-year contract. Anna, who will arrive later in the year will probably have to sign a six-year contract wherever she works. The thinking this time is about careers not jobs.

​

Last time his girlfriend being unable to find permenant work was one of the main reasons why he wanted to go home, this time, if she gets a 6 year work contract, it would bode well for Marty staying for at least that period of time.

Everything we've heard an read about Marty since he made the decision to come back has the "Chris Tarrants'" about it, a man who has grown up in his time away from the club, and a man, and a player who will come back better for the break.

I wanted him back, I have been vocal about that, you can never have enough AFL class footballers on your list, and Marty is just that.

Can't wait for the time trial on day one of pre season, Marty will show he's still got that endurance.
​

 

[noideaatall]

explains why he didn't get many games in his last year at the pies.

I had the impression his kicking influenced the whole team back then - never seen so many kick off the ground or use that little chip lob kick

 

[HFF]

Great to have another son back.

What I found disappointing though was Mick's refusal to play him in the seniors again, even after he was performing really well in the twos.

I also didn't like that Mick wouldn't fully explain why he thought it was a "bad thing" that Marty suggested to him that he wanted to be a player who influenced games. To me, this is the mindset of a player driven to want to succeed.

This is the kind of mindset that will keep players on their toes, focused and hungry. Mick always spoke about the hunger and this is an example of that so I don't know what he had against it or why. Seems kinda childish.

As they say, alls well that ends well, I'm rapt to have Marty back. The fact that even Carlton wanted him in exchange for their first pick (and they didn't even do any other trades during trade week) shows how highly rated he is. He was even willing to sacrifice $$$$ to get back to us- very Chris Tarrant like.

 

[wicksy]

Great to have another son back.

What I found disappointing though was Mick's refusal to play him in the seniors again, even after he was performing really well in the twos.

I also didn't like that Mick wouldn't fully explain why he thought it was a "bad thing" that Marty suggested to him that he wanted to be a player who influenced games. To me, this is the mindset of a player driven to want to succeed.

This is the kind of mindset that will keep players on their toes, focused and hungry. Mick always spoke about the hunger and this is an example of that so I don't know what he had against it or why. Seems kinda childish.

As they say, alls well that ends well, I'm rapt to have Marty back. The fact that even Carlton wanted him in exchange for their first pick (and they didn't even do any other trades during trade week) shows how highly rated he is. He was even willing to sacrifice $$$$ to get back to us- very Chris Tarrant like.

We clearly don't know the full story here....

 

[lgarth80]

This is the kind of mindset that will keep players on their toes, focused and hungry. Mick always spoke about the hunger and this is an example of that so I don't know what he had against it or why. Seems kinda childish.

I reckon going half way round the world for a wedding right in the middle of a footy season after saying you want to be the star of the team probably got the warning bells going for Mick.

It's like Mick could have said "son, you get one or the other, make your choice". For Marty to go home to the wedding was perfectly understandable for Mick the family man, but for Mick the coach, it was committing career suicide.

BJ got his role back, which in the end worked out for Collingwood, as he was able to get that confidence that enabled him to be a key part of the flag in 2010.

Marty was unlucky not to get a game on return, but on reflection I am sure Mick was making Marty know that you have to earn every kick, every spot on the team, it's not a right but a privilege. Basically if you want to succeed and be the team's star (like Davis or Didak) you need to do the above and beyond work that these guys do week-in, week-out.

Essentially a question of commitment, not just ability. If you want that role, sure it's yours, but you have to earn it, not compromise your preparation with a wedding and all the associated distractions.

So of course, head in the muddle of conflicting torn emotions, it was only fair and reasonable that Clarke set himself up better in his county where the issue of family was a non-issue, and he could be the star, like he had always wanted.

Thing is there was that burning desire to be the champion not just in his own country, but on the bigger stage of AFL. That, combined with events surrounding the Irish economy, would have put an interesting spin on the financial strain of playing as an amateur, but knowing that he could be paid far more playing the AFL brand. And seeing his Collingwood mates (of 2007-2008 finals series) go on and win the biggest prize would have burned him deeper. Tadgh Kennelly is a hero in Ireland, and Marty would have been similar had he stayed and played.

I reckon it's ended up a maturity issue. He's ready now to give 100%, has the backing of the Collingwood footy team (I think he would have had that even if Mick was to stay), and he knows it's now or never to make a go of it.

Or I could be completely off base with this hypothesis...

 

[TheFreshBanana]

What's wrong with going to your sister's wedding?

Like the article said, Clarke's form was dropping and he sought out the permission of the club. The club said yes, which would also indicate that he was going to be, or close to, being dropped for BJ anyway.

It's not like Clarke was a required player at that time or that we were in the finals series.

And even if he was wrong to go, is it just to not play him even with his good form in the VFL?

In the end, Mick pushed Clarke too far by not playing him and it is obvious Mick was the catalyst of Clarke leaving. He's also the reason why Clarke is back now.

I've supported Mick the whole time, but this is obviously his fault.

 

[TradeDraft]

I reckon going half way round the world for a wedding right in the middle of a footy season after saying you want to be the star of the team probably got the warning bells going for Mick.

It's like Mick could have said "son, you get one or the other, make your choice". For Marty to go home to the wedding was perfectly understandable for Mick the family man, but for Mick the coach, it was committing career suicide.

BJ got his role back, which in the end worked out for Collingwood, as he was able to get that confidence that enabled him to be a key part of the flag in 2010.

Marty was unlucky not to get a game on return, but on reflection I am sure Mick was making Marty know that you have to earn every kick, every spot on the team, it's not a right but a privilege. Basically if you want to succeed and be the team's star (like Davis or Didak) you need to do the above and beyond work that these guys do week-in, week-out.

Essentially a question of commitment, not just ability. If you want that role, sure it's yours, but you have to earn it, not compromise your preparation with a wedding and all the associated distractions.

So of course, head in the muddle of conflicting torn emotions, it was only fair and reasonable that Clarke set himself up better in his county where the issue of family was a non-issue, and he could be the star, like he had always wanted.

Thing is there was that burning desire to be the champion not just in his own country, but on the bigger stage of AFL. That, combined with events surrounding the Irish economy, would have put an interesting spin on the financial strain of playing as an amateur, but knowing that he could be paid far more playing the AFL brand. And seeing his Collingwood mates (of 2007-2008 finals series) go on and win the biggest prize would have burned him deeper. Tadgh Kennelly is a hero in Ireland, and Marty would have been similar had he stayed and played.

I reckon it's ended up a maturity issue. He's ready now to give 100%, has the backing of the Collingwood footy team (I think he would have had that even if Mick was to stay), and he knows it's now or never to make a go of it.

Or I could be completely off base with this hypothesis...

Does sound that could be the Case but at the moment we don't know 100% of the Story

 

[handy point]

Thing is there was that burning desire to be the champion not just in his own country, but on the bigger stage of AFL. That, combined with events surrounding the Irish economy, would have put an interesting spin on the financial strain of playing as an amateur, but knowing that he could be paid far more playing the AFL brand. And seeing his Collingwood mates (of 2007-2008 finals series) go on and win the biggest prize would have burned him deeper. Tadgh Kennelly is a hero in Ireland, and Marty would have been similar had he stayed and played.

I reckon it's more due to this than people would (obviously) say. Still glad to have him back though. He'll be giving 100% and I'll be backing him the same.

 

[larrikan]

That article changes my mind about his return and clearly we should discount the "out of form" Marty Clarke during his last season. There were extenuating circumstances that clearly affected him.

 

[Ed D]

It also sounds like if Buckley was coach last year he would have made a return then. Good to have him back and from the sounds of it dedicated again.

 

[Gman12]

I reckon going half way round the world for a wedding right in the middle of a footy season after saying you want to be the star of the team probably got the warning bells going for Mick.

It's like Mick could have said "son, you get one or the other, make your choice". For Marty to go home to the wedding was perfectly understandable for Mick the family man, but for Mick the coach, it was committing career suicide.

BJ got his role back, which in the end worked out for Collingwood, as he was able to get that confidence that enabled him to be a key part of the flag in 2010.

Marty was unlucky not to get a game on return, but on reflection I am sure Mick was making Marty know that you have to earn every kick, every spot on the team, it's not a right but a privilege. Basically if you want to succeed and be the team's star (like Davis or Didak) you need to do the above and beyond work that these guys do week-in, week-out.

Essentially a question of commitment, not just ability. If you want that role, sure it's yours, but you have to earn it, not compromise your preparation with a wedding and all the associated distractions.

So of course, head in the muddle of conflicting torn emotions, it was only fair and reasonable that Clarke set himself up better in his county where the issue of family was a non-issue, and he could be the star, like he had always wanted.

Thing is there was that burning desire to be the champion not just in his own country, but on the bigger stage of AFL. That, combined with events surrounding the Irish economy, would have put an interesting spin on the financial strain of playing as an amateur, but knowing that he could be paid far more playing the AFL brand. And seeing his Collingwood mates (of 2007-2008 finals series) go on and win the biggest prize would have burned him deeper. Tadgh Kennelly is a hero in Ireland, and Marty would have been similar had he stayed and played.

I reckon it's ended up a maturity issue. He's ready now to give 100%, has the backing of the Collingwood footy team (I think he would have had that even if Mick was to stay), and he knows it's now or never to make a go of it.

Or I could be completely off base with this hypothesis...

some interesting points there. in regards to Clarke and him leaving, I reckon there was a huge element of homesickness, and whilst he had decent form in the VFL, wasnt getting his game for the firsts and probabyl said why bother, I'll just go home. He came back and had a very good first season, but this year just gone wasnt great for him, or his team. His brother left the squad during the campaign, but he isnt half as good as Marty and that could well have influenced Marty there too.

Financial issues I'm sure played a part too alright. He will be on a lot more with Collingwood than he would be if he stayed in Ireland. Altho he is in northern Ireland and it isnt quite as bad as it is down south, he still wouldnt be on great money.

Wouldnt really think Kennelly is a hero in Ireland. He did ok, but he isnt as highly regarded in some areas as you may think. He came home and won his final here, but then wrote his autobiography and said how he went out to do a Cork player at the opening throw in. bit of mixed opnions about him. he is respected, but AFL isnt hugely poular here and people wouldnt hear much about him.

But I do think it would have played some part with Clarke. Marty coming back, after half a seson not playing, would have been seen as a bit of a failure, whereas Kennelly came back after winning a flag and being a regular for Sydney were in very different circumstances.

but completley agree with your last paragraph. he has come back, sorted out his homesickness and realises he has matured and can now handle the change and the move away. would hope to see him do well, always thought he was a great player for you guys. his role with Down has been as a roving midfielder, in that he is selected in the forward pocket, but he comes back out the field and is the orchestrator of attacks and a link man from defence to attack.

 

[Rohan25]

His form wasn't that great in the VFL in the back half of 2009. The senior teams form was great however. We won 12 of our last 14 and at about round 20 or 21 the media were calling us flag favourites. I seem to recall the front page of the sports section with that exact headline one Sunday late in August. There just wasn't any room for Clarke at that point.

Regardless, he's back now, 2009 is a distant memory in footballing terms, and I look forward to seeing him in black and white again.

 

[bennymac1]

very good read, and some very good posts