Marty Clarke's time

[TheClokes]

Pondering Collingwood’s midfield predicament… I completely forgot about Marty Clarke’s next step! His development as a player has been something to behold – in his first season: exploding on the stage, showing sensational stamina and kicking ability; as-well, great efforts - kicking 3 goals against Hawthorn, and an outstanding game against Geelong (in the elimination final).

Then season two arrived; this time however, he was dropped. But in a sign of great maturity, he quickly found his feet and settled back at Half-back. He developed into a reliable defender, who gathered plenty of possession and giving good rebound.

Next year could be the season he comes into his own – smack-bang in the midfield – running taggers of their feet and linking plays together. Sure he hasn’t got that blistering pace… But he defiantly has tremendous character, and a drive to become an elite player. With the retirement of Scott Burns; maybe the “centre” position will be the makings of Marty Clarke.

 

[didak04]

Whilst Clarke's progress has been fantastic i don't think he would be ready to take the step into the midfield just yet.

His skills have developed beautifully but there's a difference between hitting a target streaming out of defence and finding a target whilst copping extra attention in the midfield.

Marty has all the physical attributes to one day make it as a mid-fielder but I personally don't feel his game is at a level to make the transition next season.

 

[Captain Fantasy]

Marty has the potential to be one of our best players. I just wish Malthouse would allow him to flourish as a forward or at least a midfielder in the next couple of years. Otherwise I'd be worried he'd go back to Ireland where he'd be a Gaelic football superstar.

He's been carrying an injury this season so expect an improved Marty in 2009!

 

[TheClokes]

Playing on the Half-back line is a great way to learn the game; thats why Malthouse plays him there for the past 2 years... Hopefully with this education he moves further up the ground.

I'm hoping Kevin Dyas steps us next year...

 

[King Woodie]

Pondering Collingwood’s midfield predicament… I completely forgot about Marty Clarke’s next step! His development as a player has been something to behold – in his first season: exploding on the stage, showing sensational stamina and kicking ability; as-well, great efforts - kicking 3 goals against Hawthorn, and an outstanding game against Geelong (in the elimination final).

Then season two arrived; this time however, he was dropped. But in a sign of great maturity, he quickly found his feet and settled back at Half-back. He developed into a reliable defender, who gathered plenty of possession and giving good rebound.

Next year could be the season he comes into his own – smack-bang in the midfield – running taggers of their feet and linking plays together. Sure he hasn’t got that blistering pace… But he defiantly has tremendous character, and a drive to become an elite player. With the retirement of Scott Burns; maybe the “centre” position will be the makings of Marty Clarke.

It was a premlinary final...!

I agree, I want Clarke to spend more time in the midfield, but he is not ready to be a relied on there for too much. He should come in as a tagger initially and then learn where the good players run. He has great endurance, sufficient pace, and has a defensive element to his game already.

He also needs to work hard on his right foot and his handball - both are currently sub par. I think he has midfield potential, but more as a following wingman than a centre square player in my opinion.

 

[jimmy35]

If the opposition are tagging Marty Clarke next year our midfield is going to be in serious trouble .

 

[Ed D]

Considering he had injured ankles for a lot of the 2008 season and he did well, things are looking good for him. If he stays injury free he should improve even more in 2009. Can't wait!

 

[duds0101]

He is an awesome prospect throw Kenny Dyas and we have a team of potential potatoe munchers ;]] can't wiat Marty is more exciting at this stage but I cant wait for Kenny to break onto the scene.

Maybe in Sydney where I live - that's where Marty broke on =DD.

 

[bennymac1]

He is an awesome prospect throw Kenny Dyas

you thinking of kenny dalglish

 

[duds0101]

He is an awesome prospect throw Kenny Dyas

you thinking of kenny dalglish

??? kenny dyas is on rookie list i believe?

 

[Bloben]

??? kenny dyas is on rookie list i believe?

I think we have a Kevin Dyas mate but no Kenny

 

[duds0101]

I think we have a Kevin Dyas mate but no Kenny

I have seen it so many times shortened to Kenny - yes it is Kevin but Kenny has been used frequently when he moved last season.

 

[Snag Breac]

I have seen it so many times shortened to Kenny - yes it is Kevin but Kenny has been used frequently when he moved last season.

"Kenny" is gross - it smacks of toilets. "Kevin" is an ancient and a noble name, duds. It was St Kevin who founded the famous monastery at Glendalough. He died in 618.

 

[duds0101]

"Kenny" is gross - it smacks of toilets. "Kevin" is an ancient and a noble name, duds. It was St Kevin who founded the famous monastery at Glendalough. He died in 618.

Cool I couldn't care less about 618. Its 2008 not 618 sorry to point that out though.

 

[Snag Breac]

Cool I couldn't care less about 618. Its 2008 not 618 sorry to point that out though.

I can well believe it, duds, and I am sorry to have to post it.

 

[duds0101]

I can well believe it, duds, and I am sorry to have to post it.

Some people like their history, whereas I am an economist I'm sure that you couldn't care less about that(although you have to too some degree.) But good for some poepl doesn't interest me but atleast I leanrt soemthing new ;].

 

[The Dawes]

"Kenny" is gross - it smacks of toilets. "Kevin" is an ancient and a noble name, duds. It was St Kevin who founded the famous monastery at Glendalough. He died in 618.

Snag, I do love my history but not particularly familiar with beatification.

Can you enlighten me as to what Kevin did to become St Kevin?

FWIW I do think Marty will be a star in the midfield in our 2010 premiership.

 

[duds0101]

Snag, I do love my history but not particularly familiar with beatification.

Can you enlighten me as to what Kevin did to become St Kevin?

FWIW I do think Marty will be a star in the midfield in our 2010 premiership.

Sorry still new to Big footy what is FWIW?

 

[The Dawes]

FWIW = for what it's worth.

 

[lenny&carl]

Some people like their history, whereas I am an economist I'm sure that you couldn't care less about that(although you have to too some degree.) But good for some poepl doesn't interest me but atleast I leanrt soemthing new ;].

this post confirms all my theories about ecomonists.

 

[duds0101]

this post confirms all my theories about ecomonists.

In what way, I meant not personally but like what the market is doing to your super, Im not up my self if that's where your coming from. I meant as in market and your personal money not me myself.

 

[Torpy]

I think Marty can become a good midfielder, but he needs to back his footskills, become more ruthless and make riskier passes. He's got one hell of a left foot but often it goes wasted IMO (cue that 50m centimetre perfect kickout to Swan inside the square, he didn't need to break stride).

Maybe its because he's playing in the backline, but he seems reluctant to attempt risky passes in fear of turning the ball over, 9/10 if the option is there he goes for the 'safe' option ie. sideways 20m chip passes or a 'nothing' handball to another defender who is not in a better offensive position. If you've got a Trav Cloke streaming out on a long lead, back your skill son, you're more likely than most to hit him lace out on the chest.

He'll also need to improve on his goalkicking, a good midfielder scores goals regularly. He's shanked quite a few this year, a disproportionate amount for someone of his skill level.

 

[Snag Breac]

Some people like their history, whereas I am an economist I'm sure that you couldn't care less about that(although you have to to some degree.) But good for some peopl edoesn't interest me, but at least I learnt something new ;].

And actually, I'm critically, painfully interested in economics atm. Understanding it all is the issue. But perhaps I've got as much of a grasp on it as the average bank official or hedge-fund operator.

 

[Snag Breac]

Snag, I do love my history but not particularly familiar with beatification.

Can you enlighten me as to what Kevin did to become St Kevin?

Well, sadly, he never scored a goal. He was an Irish aristocrat who shunned the high life to become a monk. He was a great teacher, a very early animal activist and a celibate - unlike your typical BF poster.

If Marty fulfills his footy promise, he'll be up for beatification too.

 

[Snag Breac]

I think Marty can become a good midfielder, but he needs to back his footskills, become more ruthless and make riskier passes. He's got one hell of a left foot but often it goes wasted IMO (cue that 50m centimetre perfect kickout to Swan inside the square, he didn't need to break stride).

Maybe its because he's playing in the backline, but he seems reluctant to attempt risky passes in fear of turning the ball over, 9/10 if the option is there he goes for the 'safe' option ie. sideways 20m chip passes or a 'nothing' handball to another defender who is not in a better offensive position. If you've got a Trav Cloke streaming out on a long lead, back your skill son, you're more likely than most to hit him lace out on the chest.

He'll also need to improve on his goalkicking, a good midfielder scores goals regularly. He's shanked quite a few this year, a disproportionate amount for someone of his skill level.

A very astute summary, Torpy. I think he still lacks a bit of confidence in AFL; and he had at least one injury during the year. If he rests up over the summer he should be fit to slaughter next year.