Marty Clarke

[johnsmith05]

Hi Guys,
Watched the NAB cup the other night and was looking forward to see how clarke went after his stint away. But he didnt play? I have heard alot of talk about him being the Leon Davis role for 2012 and a certain starter....?

 

[mattys123]

He had a very slight setback last week at training, and thus the cautious approach was taken and he didn't play.

Barring any further problems, I'd expect him not only to play in the remaining 3 pre season games, but to start round one.

The sub rule making the game more endurance friendly will help Marty, who I'd say is in the top 5 in the AFL for overall endurance, well on the track anyway.

And with Caff going down already, and the loss of Leon and the unknown factor about Krakouers' return, Clarke if fit will be in our best 22 come round one, then it's up to him to stay there obviously.

 

[Chief Ten Beers]

Apart from Leon, those two were backs - unless Marty takes over Heath's job or something?

 

[mattys123]

Apart from Leon, those two were backs - unless Marty takes over Heath's job or something?

But it's more about the 22, well the 21 plus one, and Marty is versatile to play anywhere, in fact the main reason he had a falling out with Malthouse before he left was because he wanted to play forward.

I expect to see Marty in several positions.

 

[johnsmith05]

thats great to hear. even though i barrack for cats my whole life, i love footy and if you dont appreciate other players then you are missing out on what the game has to offer. i like watching marty play.

 

[Ed D]

I was reading that he's been trialled up forward during the preseason as well. It'd be interesting to see how he'd play there.

 

[sr36]

I was reading that he's been trialled up forward during the preseason as well. It'd be interesting to see how he'd play there.

considering his background as a forward in Gaelic footy, you'd expect him to have the instincts of a forward, but the issue I see is him not having the skills of a forward. I remember him as being pretty useless overhead and mediocre at winning the footy in congestion. I don't see him winning the footy regularly enough as a forward. To me his strengths were hard running, reading the play and composure with the ball in hand (despite being regularly run down). His skill set always seemed most suited to the half back line or wing, but things may have changed.

 

[Markfs]

If I remember correctly, he had been playing Australian football for about 18 months when he left. I know the forum likes to pigeon hole players after their first game but I would expect Clarke to round out his game a little more if he stays around for another 3 or 4 years.