Clark locked in for Cats debut

QUEENSCLIFF product Jhye Clark will make his AFL debut tomorrow night in Geelong’s Friday night blockbuster against Richmond at the MCG.

The Cats confirmed via their social media channels this morning that the highly touted midfielder will make his first appearance in the hoops.

But Clark and Cats fans will likely have to wait until selection tonight to discover if he plays in the first 22 or as the substitute.

The 18-year-old was taken with the pick 8 in the 2022 NAB AFL Draft.

Clark collected 12 touches in a half of football against Southport at GMHBA Stadium last week playing predominantly through the middle of the ground, which followed a breakout 29 disposal, five marks, four tackles performance against Coburg at Piranha Park the week prior.

The former Couta arrived at GMHBA Stadium from the Geelong Falcons where he was captain for the 2022 NAB League Boys season and the reigning best and fairest winner.

He also led Vic Country during the national championships, where he finished runner-up to the number two overall pick Will Ashcroft in Larke Medal voting.

Clark averaged 25 and 23 touches per game for the Falcons and VIC Country respectively and impressed recruiters as a hard-edged, highly competitive player who also earned NAB League Team of the Year Honours in 2022.