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Clark on cloud nine after strong Cats debut at the G

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Cameron NewboldAlbany Advertiser
Geelong debutant Jordan Clark celebrates the round 1 win with Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood.
Camera IconGeelong debutant Jordan Clark celebrates the round 1 win with Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Railways product Jordan Clark says it will be hard to top the feeling of running out on the MCG for the first time and going on to celebrate his debut with a Geelong victory.

Clark has enjoyed a whirlwind past few months as he turned his back on cricket to focus on football and was drafted by the Cats with pick 15 in last year’s national draft.

An impressive pre-season helped Clark earn an AFL debut in the opening round of the new season and his performance in front of almost 80,000 people on Friday night was hard to fault.

Clark lined up on Collingwood’s Josh Thomas at the opening bounce and was quick to get involved, finishing with six touches in a lively first quarter.

He collected 17 disposals, four marks and four rebound 50s, and had five inside 50s in a strong defensive performance for the Cats as they pipped the Magpies by seven points.

Geelong’s Jordan Clark in action.
Camera IconGeelong’s Jordan Clark in action. Credit: Dylan Burns

With his family and friends in the stands and his parents interviewed at quarter-time by Channel 7, the humble 18-year-old said it was a memorable night.

“It was bloody awesome,” Clark said. “Speaking with us first-year boys that debuted, we weren’t nervous — more just excited and wanted to get out there.

“Joel (Selwood) and Patty (Dangerfield) spoke to me a bit before saying you only debut once and to just have fun and enjoy it.

“When you run out, it’s pretty special — that noise — and the Collingwood supporters booing you. It will be hard to forget that moment.”

Clark said he pulled up well and was focused on locking down a spot in the Cats side in the coming weeks.

Geelong debutants Charlie Constable and Jordan Clark walk off the MCG after the win over Collingwood last Friday night.
Camera IconGeelong debutants Charlie Constable and Jordan Clark walk off the MCG after the win over Collingwood last Friday night. Credit: Getty

He was also proud to have his family there watching on, after the support they had given the country-raised teenager.

“My grandparents, my family and a close mate were there,” he said.

“It’s a good achievement for my family, especially my parents, who have sacrificed so much and all the hours driving from Albany to help me get here.”

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