CATS’EVERY CLARK SPARK

EXCITING young Cat Jordan Clark has given himself every opportunity of earning a spot in the Round 1 side to take on Adelaide in two weeks after a stunning performance against Essendon on Saturday night.

Clark, who played just three games for Geelong in 2020, was dominant in the three quarters he was on the ground, amassing a team-high 29 disposals and a match-high 710 metres gained.

The 20-year-old (pictured) could not have been more impressive and rounded out his game with a goal that put the Cats in front late in their seven-point win at GMHBA Stadium.

Geelong assistant coach Matthew Knights said while discussions around the makeup of the team to take on the Crows were ongoing, Clark had well and truly put his name into the selection mix.

“I think Jordan has made really significant improvement in the pre-season and he has really developed different parts of his game, which is a credit to him,” Knights said.

“He did some things that were very good and he still has some areas to work on like a lot of our younger players and even senior players but he is certainly improving as a player.

“He has given himself a chance to be up for selection for Round 1 but that is yet to be decided. He was still there with 26 (players) tonight so it is a bit of a false economy.

“It gets down to 22 pretty quickly and we might have some players coming into that line-up also.”

Midfield gun Mitch Duncan remains an outside hope of being fit for the season opener on March 20 but small forward Luke Dahlhaus should be ready.

Esava Ratugolea will need to overcome a knock to his leg, which the Cats are treating with caution, although they are confident he will be available for selection.

His absence paved the way for

Sam De Koning and

Josh Jenkins to share the ruck load on Saturday but Knights said No 1 big man

Rhys Stanley would be right in two weeks after missing with concussion.

“Rhys will be available for Round 1,” he said. “He had a knock last game and had some concussion but he is fine and is in good spirits.

“He did some training during the week and was very comfortable but it gave us an opportunity to really have a look at Sam De Koning and Josh Jenkins in the ruck, which was pretty exciting for them.

“Particularly for De Koning going up against (Sam) Draper and Peter Wright.

“He competed hard and so did Josh … but Rhys will definitely be available for Round 1.”