http://williamstown.footballvic.com.au/ ... aid=125033
Clarke the real deal, to be sure
By Terry Mallinder
LIKE most of the football world, Williamstown coach Brad Gotch is amazed by Collingwood rookie Marty Clarke.
The Irishman's remarkable rise from not having ever picked up an Aussie rules football to making his debut in the sport's elite competition was less than 10 months in the making.
After honing his skills at Williamstown, the former gaelic footballer capped an incredible entry into the AFL earlier this month when he was awarded a Rising Star award nomination.
He picked up 20 possessions in his Magpies debut in round 12 and then kicked three goals in his second game, against Hawthorn.
Clarke arrived in Australia in October and spent about six weeks under the guidance of Collingwood officials, including Gotch, also a Magpies assistant coach.
"He's a type of guy who's so driven by the passion to play Aussie rules footy,'' Gotch said of Clarke.
"He's devoted nearly every spare minute in the last eight months to making sure he masters the craft.
"He came out of Ireland as the best junior -- the Chris Judd. They were shattered to lose him.''
Gotch admitted, though, during those early practice sessions he "wasn't sure'' whether Clarke would make a quick transition from playing gaelic football to Aussie rules.
"There was no doubt he was a very talented individual in regards to execution of skills,'' he said.
"His kicking was a bit wobbly at times, but for a guy who was used to the round ball . . .
"He was picking up skills, he was learning very quickly, but I thought `gee, we'll have to wait until the practice games and see him in combat to see how he will deal with it'.''
Clarke played his first practice game for the Magpies against Sydney in February.
"He played okay, so I think he got confidence straight up,'' Gotch said.
"It was just a matter of trialling different things."
"Down at Williamstown we started him as backman, then we put him at half-forward, on-ball, wing. We gave him a few different roles so he could fast-track a little bit quicker, get an understanding of playing in different positions on the ground.''
Clarke played eight games with the Seagulls before stepping up for the Magpies.
Gotch said Clarke had the respect of all his Seagulls teammates.
"They could not help but be impressed by how well he's adapted to the game. They've just got the ultimate respect for him. He's a jovial character, upbeat, and doesn't cause too many problems.''