Ryan Clarke was forthright about why he wanted to be traded from North Melbourne to Sydney
RYAN Clarke likes to play direct football and the midfielder was forthright about why he chose to move to Sydney … the Swans’ track record of turning good players into great ones.
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RYAN Clarke likes to play direct football and the midfielder-defender was forthright about why he chose to move to Sydney from North Melbourne … the Swans’ track record of turning good players into great ones.
“Sydney get the most out of their players,” the 21-year-old said.
“When I was making my decision about whether or not to come to Sydney it was a big factor.
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“I’m looking forward to learning and getting better as a footballer.”
Josh Kennedy, Shane Mumford, Ted Richards and Craig Bolton all struggled before finding success in Sydney, becoming premiership players, All-Australians and - in Kennedy and Bolton’s case - club captains.
Clarke has been on the Swans’ radar for years. An early endorsement of Clarke’s long term prospects came when Swans recruiting guru Kinnear Beatson spotted him as a teenager playing for the Eastern Rangers in the TAC Cup.
“Kinnear was the first person from an AFL club I spoke to,” Clarke said.
“I spoke to Kinnear a few times after that, including at the combine. The two teams that showed the most interest were the Swans and North.”
When Callum Mills was bid on by Melbourne at pick three in the 2015 draft Sydney were forced to use picks 33, 36, 37 and 43 to match the points bid.
The Kangaroos swooped on Clarke with pick 31 and he has managed 40 games in three seasons, playing mostly as a defender and occasional winger.
“I concentrated on my footy this year and once North and the Swans were out of it then things went from there,” Clarke said.
“I’d agreed to terms a couple of weeks ago so for it to be public now and official it’s a relief. I can’t wait to get started. I’ve heard only good things about Sydney.”
Dan Hannebery’s move to St Kilda appears to have been held up by the Swans pursuit of Collingwood Grand Final defender Tom Langdon but once it is sorted out one way or another Hannebery will move to the Saints, creating midfield opportunities for Clarke and others.
“My preferred position is in the midfield,” Clarke said.
“I’d love to play in the midfield but it depends on what the team needs. I can play a few different roles, half-back, midfield or on the wing.”
Clarke says he leaves the Kangaroos with no regrets and is currently on holidays at Byron Bay with Shaun Higgins, Trent Dumont, Taylor Garner, Luke Davies-Uniake and Jy Simpkin.
“I had a great three years there, they are a great football club and I left on good terms,” Clarke said.
“I’m looking forward to the next chapter. I’ve learned a lot from players like Shaun Higgins, Ben Cunnington and Nick Dal Santo in my first year.”