Trials: Dandenong Stingray Judson Clarke boots five goals for Vic Country

Judson Clarke was one of the players to make recruiters sit up and take notice in Sunday’s Vic Country-Vic Metro trials.

Judson Clarke of Vic Country celebrates a goal during the Under 19 trial match.

Dandenong Stingrays coach Nick Cox thought it one of the best performances he’d seen in a representative trial match.

Cox watched on from the interchange bench at Werribee on Sunday as his forward Judson Clarke took a star turn for Vic Country against Vic Metro.

The left-footer booted five goals in a display that doubtless caught the attention of the army of recruiters looking on.

“He was one of the best players on the ground in my mind … I could make a strong case for it,’’ Cox said this morning.

“He started well and I could see his confidence rising.

“He pinched into the midfield after half time and gave some really explosive looks with his run and carry. I always think in those games, boys who can get an opportunity to bounce the footy and take metres tend to stand out.

“Judson did that. He made really good decisions, kicked a couple goals on the run from 45, 50m … gee he was good.’’

Josiah Kyle gets busy for Vic Country.

Clarke suffered a serious knee injury in 2019 when attached to the Stingrays Under 16 program. They named the half forward and midfielder a deputy vice-captain this year.

Clarke is the son of former East Ringwood star Jarrod Clarke and attends Yarra Valley Grammar.

Described by Cox as a “highly skilled and hardworking player’’, he’s had flashes of brilliance in the NAB League this year, but they came together for him on Sunday as he stitched up selection for the nationals.

With big Mac Andrew sitting it out, the Stingrays had 13 players at the trials.

Miller Bergmann and Jai Neal played in the first game, and Colby Nayna, Connor MacDonald, Clarke, Will Bravo, James Cahill, Bayleigh Welsh, Lachlan Robinson, Justin Davies, Josiah Kyle, Zac Tobin and Bryce Milford in the second.

Zac Tobin on the run for Vic Country.

Key defender Davies held his own against classy opposition, Milford did well as a forward and ruckman, Connor MacDonald found a lot of the ball through the midfield and Will Bravo was another standout with his strength.

“All our players had some good moments, but a few had more of them,’’ Cox noted. “I was really happy with our representation.’’

With such a healthy contingent at the trials, the Stingrays selected seven debutants for the match against Tasmania on Sunday.

Will Bravo drives Vic Country forward.

And with Cox performing Vic Country duties, his assistant Josh Moore coached the team in Launceston.

Tassie won 11. 17 (83) to 9.2 (56).

Finn Jakstas, Harrison Jones, Nick Collier, Taj Campbell-Farrell, Chris Buttner, Hudsyn Hill and Spencer Robertson played their first games for the Rays.

Moore said it was a great experience for the team and the Stingrays competed hard, as they’d set out to do.

“It was a pretty exciting day for our program,’’ he said.

“They all had their moments and stood up. All the boys played their roles. Apart from the big w, which is what we wanted, the development we got into the players was there, which was pleasing.’’

Coach Josh Moore with the Rays’ seven debutants: Finn Jakstas, Harrison Jones, Nick Collier, Taj Campbell-Farrell, Chris Buttner, Hudsyn Hill and Spencer Robertson.

Daniel Didomenicantonio captained the team and led by example, and 16-year-old Sam Frangalas was outstanding through the midfield. Moore thinks he’s quite a prospect.

“He’s one to watch for the future,’’ he said. “He was really clean and an absolute standout for us.’’

Buttner, who has broken into Seaford’s senior team this year, kicked two goals.

Moore will hold the coaching reins again this Sunday when the Stingrays play Eastern at Shepley Oval, bouncing the ball at 11am.