Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

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skeptic
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Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707665Post skeptic »

Inside Midfielder/Medium Defender (Dandenong Stingrays/Vic Country)
26/03/1999 | 186.1cm | 79.9kg

Scouting notes: Has transitioned from a rebounding outside defender to a contested ball winning midfielder over the last 12 months. Coming out of defence his decision making and kicking could be better – and if he cleans this up it will help his draft stocks. Ball winning capabilities are improving on the inside and he is able to pump the ball inside 50 to a teammate. Possesses quick hands – a trait that can separate him from others in this draft pool.


Some video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucmvD7L56Fg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcxfbPv41bY
Player focus
In a two-point loss against Gippsland in windy conditions, star Dandenong midfielder Hunter Clark was the standout performer. Capitalising on Dandenong's ruck ascendency, Clark was the dominant first possession winner at stoppages. His work rate was also noteworthy, running in support offensively and pushing back hard defensively.

Clark's 34 disposals, 17 contested possessions, eight tackles, seven clearances, 10 inside 50s, two goals and one score assist was an exceptional return and arguably his best of the season.

The 186cm, 79kg midfielder used his acceleration on the outside when he had time and space. He also crumbed effectively at the base of packs. The question regarding Clark's game is his kicking. With time and space on the outside, his kicks were often exceptionally well weighted but in traffic his kicks appeared rushed, with his execution by foot far worse in traffic.

Clark has transformed his game from outside midfielder in 2016 to a genuine inside midfielder this year and possesses the capacity to play either role. He is a likely late first, or second-round draft choice with his production, stoppage work, endurance and outside run all features of his game.



The buzz for Hunter Clark started two years ago, as the long-haired half-back flanker starred at under-16s level to announce himself as a likely early pick at the 2017 NAB AFL Draft.

Clark's progression continued last year when he played as a bottom-ager for the Dandenong Stingrays and Vic Country, before he took his game up another notch this season transitioning into the midfield.

The likely first-rounder was one of the form players of the pool in the second half of the season, having had a slightly slow start to the year after overcoming some nagging groin injuries. A knee issue prevented Clark from completing all testing at the NAB AFL Draft Combine in October.

Why They Should Pick Him

He's able to play in a number of roles, for a start. As a half-back, Clark can provide good run and carry, and is comfortable with the ball in his hands to set things up. He's a strong and penetrating kick on both feet – his natural right foot and non-preferred left side.

His move into the midfield this season also highlighted his ball-winning abilities. He averaged 26 disposals in 13 games, with half of his touches won in contested situations. As good as he looks running with the ball and working hard, Clark is just as comfortable going and getting it himself. He is also a fierce tackler – averaging seven a game in the TAC Cup to go with six clearances.

Clark's most dominant game of the season came against the Sandringham Dragons late in the year when he kicked two goals and seven inside-50s from 29 disposals from the midfield to lead his side to an important win. He has plenty going for him: he's tough, skillful, competitive and courageous.

the-query

The 18-year-old showed he can play in the midfield at under-18 level, but there still remains some doubt for clubs on whether he can do that in the AFL, particularly as he didn't get a chance to do it in the under-18 carnival. He doesn't have a huge tank and hasn't recorded elite levels in the beep test, and although he's relatively smooth, he doesn't have that breakaway pace that other players possess.

plays-like

Clark is unique, and even clubs struggle to think of an apt comparison for him at AFL level given his mix of traits. There's perhaps a bit of Rory Sloane's rugged approach in Clark, who never shirks a contest.

draft-range

Isn't in the No.1 conversation like he was at the start of the season, but Clark is still in the mix to be a selection inside the first 15 picks.

bottom-line

A versatile, tough, win-at-all-costs player who do his work with a minimum of fuss and fanfare. Clark can look like he's gliding across the field, but he has a fierce mindset.


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707697Post skeptic »

10. Hunter Clark (VIC)

Best position: Inside midfielder/outside midfielder
Height, weight: 186cm, 80kg
Recruited from: Dandenong Stingrays
Projected draft range: First round
Similar to: Steele Sidebottom
October Ranking: 9
Rationale: Drops slightly as others rise. Production stacks up with the best midfielders in the draft but his ball use under pressure and less hurt-factor sees him slightly lower.
Strengths:
First possession winner at stoppages
Contested ball-winner
Clean at ground level
Clean hands in close
Tackling
Runs in support
Workrate
Endurance
Outside run and carry
Agility
Evasiveness
Football smarts
Precise, dual-sided kick with time and space Just as comfortable as an inside or outside midfielder
Ability to play midfield, back or forward
Capable crumber off packs and inside 50m
Rate of improvement
Weaknesses:
Decision-making and ball use under pressure
Hurt factor with ball in hand

Last edited: Yesterday at 9:37 PM


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707700Post Con Gorozidis »

I like him.
Is tough and runs and supports.
Just what we need.


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707704Post WellardSaint »

Con Gorozidis wrote:I like him.
Is tough and runs and supports.
Just what we need.

Is he a Jimmy Webster type of running and toughness?
If so, very happy we picked him


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707709Post Vazelos »

Is highly rated by in the know S & C boys...
We picked a beauty...


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707716Post shrodes »

From the video seems a bit sloppy. Excited to see what he can do for us though


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707748Post skeptic »

Few more vids


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRqn83e6sqw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cxGXYHhPMQ

Wasn’t sure about him originally...

He’s clearly a play maker... tough as anything at the contest, takes the game on, breaks lines

In terms of disposal, I don’t think it’s elite per’se... but he tends to create options and pick good options. I can see why the say his Nat Fyfe like... very versatile.

Seems good at everything. Really goes up in the contest and the constant chatter is he is great on both sides.

I like him.


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707790Post Moods »

What happened to us drafting blokes with great skills? Both have a knock on them for being sus with skills under pressure.......


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707791Post Con Gorozidis »

Moods wrote:What happened to us drafting blokes with great skills? Both have a knock on them for being sus with skills under pressure.......
They look pretty skilful to me.


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707794Post skeptic »

Moods wrote:What happened to us drafting blokes with great skills? Both have a knock on them for being sus with skills under pressure.......
I don’t think he’s suspect...

One may argue that he’s not amongst the very elite... but everything points to the fact that he at least has good skills (except for that first vid). Check out the other ones though.


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707820Post Raph Goat Clarke »

A few draftees think he's one of the best kicks in the draft so he mustn't be too bad


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707821Post magnifisaint »

Vazelos wrote:Is highly rated by in the know S & C boys...
We picked a beauty...

Is highly rated by in the know S & C boys
??


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707823Post magnifisaint »

from the vid looks elite


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707826Post ace »

Please please please no more ClarkEs.
Those EEEEEEEEs represent a hamstring snapping.
X Clarke instead of Bartel and then doubling down with Raph.

We need this guy to remain a Clark


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707838Post St Loxton »

Very happy with this selection. Great skill set.
We won't regret this pick. Big future.


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707839Post jays »

welcome son ImageImage
Image
ImageImage


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707844Post cwrcyn »

I know it's drawing a long bow........but did I see some moves reminiscent of Marcus Bontompelli in Hunter's highlights reel? Certainly some similarities to Bontompelli's highlights reel from a few years back. AS my dad used to say, "Hold your horses" :)


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707848Post kosifantutti »

ace wrote:Please please please no more ClarkEs.
Those EEEEEEEEs represent a hamstring snapping.
X Clarke instead of Bartel and then doubling down with Raph.

We need this guy to remain a Clark
It was an unfortunate clerical error but at least this guy is only 25.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hunter-Clarke
And if we keep it quiet, we can still pick up Hunter Clark in the rookie draft.


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Welcome to St. Kilda Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707866Post the dome »

Welcome to the Red, Black & White Hunter.
I was hoping Clarke would be one of our picks @ 7 or 8.
All the best for pre-season& beyond H.C.
& hoping you get a gig in the firsts fairly soon. :wink:


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707869Post saynta »

the dome wrote:Welcome to the Red, Black & White Hunter.
I was hoping Clarke would be one of our picks @ 7 or 8.
All the best for pre-season& beyond H.C.
& hoping you get a gig in the firsts fairly soon. :wink:
Me too mate, me too.


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707870Post Con Gorozidis »

cwrcyn wrote:I know it's drawing a long bow........but did I see some moves reminiscent of Marcus Bontompelli in Hunter's highlights reel? Certainly some similarities to Bontompelli's highlights reel from a few years back. AS my dad used to say, "Hold your horses" :)
Very similar kicking style. Not as tall as Bont but definitely quicker.


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707875Post 6621104 »

This kid looks the goods, great hands, evasive, kicks as well on both sides - still with some growing to do. If he was # 7 the earlier picks must be sure fire guns!


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1707890Post bigred »

Kid is a gun.

Acres with more to his game.

Will be interesting.


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Re: Welcome to St. Kilda Pick 7 - Hunter Clarke

Post: # 1708628Post saintbrat »



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