SHEEHAN BIG FAN OF CLOHESY
FALCON JUST LIKE CLARK
TOUGH, in-and-under midfielder Ted Clohesy is a “version” of Geelong Falcons teammate and top-10 draft prospect Jhye Clark, AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan has declared.
Clohesy has drawn comparisons with Clark, and the St Joseph’s product is set to find an AFL home either in Monday and Tuesday’s national draft, or Wednesday’s rookie draft.
The 18-year-old brushed off an MCL injury early this season to enjoy a stellar NAB League campaign, averaging 23.5 disposals, 7.3 tackles and 5.4 inside 50s in 10 games.
Having already had Geelong commit to rookie drafting him if he is still available, Clohesy said it took a weight off his shoulders.
“Yeah it’s been unreal, taken a lot of pressure off which is really good … been able to enjoy not having the whole stress of it,” he said.
“Really fortunate and grateful for that. Had a little bit (of interest from other clubs), not a whole lot.
“I think it’d be pretty unlikely, but you never know.”
Clohesy featured for Vic Country three times this year, booting three goals as he shared his time between the forward line and midfield.
He also made the step up to VFL level, featuring for Geelong and kicking a goal against Box Hill.
“He’s a bit of a version of Jhye Clark if you like, he’s a hard-edged kid, contested ball winner, tough as nails,” Sheehan said.
“(He) showed that both at the Falcons and then (was) very solid and strong without being as spectacular as Clark in playing for Vic Country in three of their matches.
“He’s a chance to go late in the draft.”
A known ball winner, Clohesy said he has worked diligently on his outside game, as well as plying his trade as a forward at times.
“It (playing forward) was something (Falcons coach) Paul Corrigan just sort of suggested, I guess you’ve got to know how to play more than one position, so it was really good,” he said. “I’m still learning how to play up there, but I think it was a good experience to play there … it’s something different but I actually really enjoyed it.
“I think my inside stuff’s what always comes naturally, sort of my contested work and my tackling.
“I know I’ve sort of got to round out my game a bit more … just to have a bit more of a balance on the inside and outside, so I’ll keep working on my outside game.”
Clohesy recently had surgery on his nose, however he said he is nearing the end of his recovery and is set to be good to go for day one of preseason. He and Clark have enjoyed some sessions at Wildfighter Gym around Year 12 exams, while Clohesy and Osca Riccardi have been honing their ball skills.