Was delisted midfielder “underplayed”?

DYLAN Clarke was “underplayed” during his five seasons at Essendon, according to Bombers great Tim Watson.

The 23-year-old’s future hangs in the balance after being cut by the Bombers last Wednesday.

Clarke will continue training with Essendon in the pre-season and could be re-signed in the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period, depending on list spots.

Watson thinks the 24-game midfielder can add some “real value” to another AFL club as a delisted free agent.

“I’d give him a go. I reckon he’s been underplayed a lot this kid,” the former Essendon captain told SEN Breakfast.

“Because of the way they [Essendon] set up, they don’t want to play that type of player.

“Maybe there’s a team out there with a different philosophical view of the game that they may be able to go to somebody like him.

“He’s not the tidiest player going around, but I still think he’s got some real value to add to somebody.”

Clarke earned himself a Rising Star nomination in 2019 after shutting down Carlton’s Patrick Cripps and Hawthorn’s Jaeger O’Meara.

He played four games in 2021, averaging 15.25 disposals and two clearances.

The first delisted free agency period closes on 10 November.

 

– BY ALEX ZAIA/ SEN