Clarence ruckman Sam Green signs with Port Melbourne for 2024

Clarence will be without one of its most talented young players for the final year of the TSL after he signed with a VFL club. See the details.

Clarence’s Sam Green has signed on with VFL club Port Melbourne for 2024 after months of interest from a number of clubs in Victoria. Picture: Chris Kidd

Clarence will be without versatile ruckman Sam Green for the final year of the TSL with the 22 year-old signing with VFL club Port Melbourne for 2024.

Following two breakout seasons, the Roos tall also had offers from the Northern Bullants and Werribee before deciding to join the ‘Borough.

“How Port presented themselves as a club and their plans for me had me really excited and wanting to join them,” Green said.

Green’s loss will be a major one for the Roos in the final year of the TSL. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I feel really privileged because not everyone gets this opportunity so I want to make the most of what’s been put in front of me.

“I don’t want to wait a few years and think what could have been. While the genuine interest is there, combined with my eagerness to go, I think it’s a perfect time to challenge myself now.”

With the TSL set to end at the conclusion of the 2024 season before a Tasmanian VFL side is established the following year, Green said he understood those who may question why he didn’t stay with the Roos another year.

“It is interesting, and a lot of people have asked if it’s a bit silly to head away next year with everything that’s coming up for Tassie footy,” he said.

“But the easiest way to answer it is that I’m trying to get myself as best prepared as possible. Who knows what the future holds, but I’m going over to commit myself to Port Melbourne for a year and if it goes on further than that it is what it is.

“I’m also trying to prepare myself for that Tassie (VFL) team in a sense.

Green has become one of the TSL’s best rucks across the past two seasons. Picture: Chris Kidd

“I want to be ready for VFL football and know what it is like should they (Tasmania) be interested in me. While I’ve got this opportunity I want to take it and hopefully one day I can wear the map at the highest level possible.”

After becoming one of Clarence’s most valuable players under coach Peter Ryan, Green said that while Ryan was disappointed to lose him, he was just as excited to see him take the next step.

“I mean ‘Spear’ (Ryan) didn’t smile straight away but he is excited for me, as are all the boys,” Green said.

“They are really happy for me personally and I made it clear to them that I wouldn’t have been able to get this opportunity without the Clarence Football Club. Footy the past two years under ‘Spear’ has been so much fun and allowed me to grow at an improved rate.”

While he may have made his name as the Roos number one ruckman, Green expects to play in a number of different positions at the ‘Borough after making sure they knew he had much more to offer than just a one-position player.

“When the clubs reached out I presented myself as not just a ruckman,” he said.

“I’ve played it for the past two years and it’s allowed me to add another string to my bow and really developed my game but I don’t think it’s where I will get the best out of myself or where a team will.

“Port are really keen to see how I go on the wing and in defence which is really exciting.

“Playing in and around the ball has developed my inside work and skills in the air but I’ve played everywhere on the ground throughout my career so I have confidence I can really be put anywhere and hopefully play some good footy.”

Green won’t be the only former Roo at Port next year with defender Baker Smith also signing while The Mercury understands key forward Noah Holmes may also join the pair.