DO WELL, AND DRAFT PICK COULD GO HOME

GEELONG will have its first look at how first-round draft selection Jordan Clark handles himself against AFL opposition when the Cats welcome North Melbourne to GMHBA Stadium today.

The closed session will allow the teams to work on various game scenarios as they ramp up preparations for the JLT Community Series and Round 1.

Clark said he was hopeful of earning a place on the plane to Perth for the opening JLT Series clash against West Coast on March 1, but said he would not let the lure of a match in his home state distract him from the extended hitout with North Melbourne.

“I think anyone who is fit is going to play, they will roll everyone through I think, so I will play,” he said.

“It is exciting, and it is my first preseason ever, so I am hoping to get a JLT game back in WA next Friday, that will be nice to play in front of friends and family, and get that experience, but we will see what happens.

“But I will just go in and play, and I won’t think any further. My performance will look after itself and I will just do what I need to do, play my role and everything should look after itself.”

The Cats have been keen to test Clark out in various roles in training sessions this summer, with the 18-year-old used in defence and as an outside runner in different drills during pre-season.

But while he expects to be used mostly in the backline, he said he knew he would have to earn the right to play NORTH Melbourne and Geelong have moved today’s practice match behind closed doors to avoid prying eyes.

The Kangaroos and Cats were set to stage their hitout in public at Deakin University, but have relocated the game to the Cats’ GMHBA Stadium.

It is understood Brad and Chris Scott had always intended staging the match in private before details of the game, and others, were released by the AFL.

It is understood the motivation for moving the game is because the two coaches want to trial tactics in secret.

The Cats will get their first serious look at what impact Gary Ablett can make as a near-permanent forward, while the Roos are integrating several new faces, including Jared Polec, Aaron Hall and Dom Tyson. with one of the competition’s premier defensive groups.

“I have trained a lot in the backline but there has been some talk I might play on the wing and I have trained a little bit up there,” he said.

“It all depends what happens with injuries and boys coming in. The backline is almost going to be fully fit by the time Round 1 comes, so it will be pretty hard to break into.

“That is a good thing though, to have to earn your spot and push someone out to get your opportunity, I think that is a good way to have to do it.”