After being limited to only 10 games across 2006 and 2007, and missing the start of the 2008 campaign with a quad problem, Clark has suddenly strung together four senior games – the best run of his career to date.
The 20-year-old has played mainly as a back-up ruckman behind Jamie Charman in recent weeks and may find himself up against Fremantle’s 211cm giant Aaron Sandilands this weekend.
”We haven’t spoken about where I might play this week and I’m still just hoping to get a game,” Clark said.
”If I do end up playing and playing in the ruck, hopefully Charmo will be up against (Sandilands) most of the time and I’ll get to play mainly on whoever the second ruckman is!
”(Sandilands) is a monster. I’ve actually played with him before at East Fremantle and having seen him up close and personal like that you understand just how massive he is.”
While Clark is still learning the art of rucking at AFL level, his efforts in the last month have been enough to keep promising big man Matthew Leuenberger in the reserves.
The No. 9 pick of the 2005 National Draft has particularly impressed with his work around the ground, linking up with the midfield.
Against St Kilda in round nine, Clark picked up 16 possessions and seven marks, and also snuck forward to kick a tumbling goal from 50m.
”It feels a bit strange to be keeping a guy as talented as Leueie out of the team – I almost feel a bit bad about it,” Clark said.
”But I’m happy that I’ve been able to put together a few games and I’m hoping I can hold my place.
”I played a fair bit in the ruck in juniors because I was pretty much always the tallest kid and that gives you a bit of experience of playing virtually as another midfielder.
”I feel pretty comfortable getting the ball around the ground.”
Having inked a new long-term deal with the club last week, Clark is looking forward to better things to come from the Lions.
He is also optimistic his bad run with injuries is now behind him.
In only two-and-a-half seasons at the Gabba, Clark has been sidelined by a fibula problem and osteitis pubis, as well as other leg injuries including the quad ailment.
”It’s a pretty exciting time for us at the moment and hopefully we can just continue to move forward,” Clark said.
”We’re pretty confident right now and if we can win enough games to make the finals, who knows what can happen from there?
”With my body, it’s just something I’m going to have to closely monitor throughout my career.
”I don’t know that it’s necessarily stronger than it has been, but I got through almost a full pre-season this year and that definitely makes you better prepared.”
