Geelong has high hopes for Jordan Clark after he chose footy over cricket only three months ago

He was in top 10 calculations but Jordan Clark fell to pick No.15 and Geelong swooped to secure the talented defender. After choosing footy over cricket only three months ago, there’s some big upside and improvement left in the talented sportsman.

Clark in his new colours. Picture: Michael Klein

Geelong’s newest rebounding defender Jordan Clark is eyeing his first full preseason this summer after choosing footy over cricket only three months ago.

The rebounding backman is also a talented pace bowler and took a hat-trick against Pakistan playing for Australia’s under-16 team in January last year.

DON’T MISS OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE AFL DRAFT FROM 11AM TODAY. EVERY CLUB, EVERY PICK LIVE

But the laid-back West Australian said a breakthrough game collecting 23 possessions in the national championships — at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium — helped sway him towards the Sherrin.

With his focus finally on one sport, the Cats are excited about what the 182cm Clark can deliver.

AFL DRAFT: WHO YOUR CLUB PICKED IN THE FIRST ROUND

GARY BUCKENARA: THE DRAFT GEMS STILL AVAILABLE

DRAFT ORDER: SEE THE PICKS YOUR CLUB HOLDS

Jordan Clark after taking a hat-trick against Pakistan. Picture: Supplied

Clark receives his new Geelong guernsey from club great Corey Enright.

“That’s one of the reasons why we called his name out, the way he has shown he has developed this year,” list boss Stephen Wells said.

“He did an outstanding job for the WA under-18 team, his numbers were compelling.

“Mainly in defence he was winning the ball himself and running well and intercept marking.

“Then he went back and played senior footy with Claremont and fit right in there as well, doing the same things and getting plenty of the ball.”

DRAFT SHOCK: HOW CARLTON RUINED RICHMOND’S DRAFT PLANS

ANALYSIS: CARLTON SAVES THE DAY AFTER ‘BORING’ DRAFT NIGHT

NEW PIE: ISAAC QUAYNOR ALREADY A COLLINGWOOD FANATIC

Clark was in top-10 calculations in Thursday night’s draft, but fell to Geelong’s pick No.15.

Clark, who has four siblings, said he idolised eagle Elliot Yeo and Bomber Adam Saad.

And it was only when he got some missed calls and text messages from Geelong recruiter Troy Selwood on Thursday morning that he thought the Cats were keen.

Clark in his new colours. Picture: Michael Klein

“I did get a little inkling when I got off the plane and I had some texts saying ‘Why aren’t you picking up, it’s going to message bank?’,” Clark said.

“So I said ‘Yeah, I’m on the plane, Adam, mate, just relax,’ and I called him back straight away.

“But I’m absolutely thrilled to go to the cats, it’s brilliant.”

Wells said Clark could play midfield or defence, alongside local product Tom Stewart.

“We have lost some champion defenders over the past few years, and were very happy how our defence played over 2018,” Wells said.

“But we have got no doubt Jordan can add to that in 2019 and beyond.”

DON’T MISS OUR LIVE COVERAGE OF THE AFL DRAFT FROM 11AM TODAY. EVERY CLUB, EVERY PICK LIVE