Marty Clarke to make debut

[Romeo]

Think he needs to learn the words of the club song properly!

[amallon]

Here is the clip on youtube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHkrqVaxXOM

[Aerlik]

I made a point of watching the game as normally I'd avoid Collingwood.  I have absolutely no time for Collingwood, especially since they whinge and bleat about the great injustices of the sporting world bestowed upon them and them alone.  Even Rocca got a week for a head high "tackle"  for which a Freo player got four at the start of the season.  Nor does the club president win any fans.  They are the Dublin of the AFL.  Everyone hates them outside of their own cesspit.  Damnit I've even been known to support the West Coast Eagles when they play the pies.

However, I was delighted for Martin Clarke and quite proud of his performance.  After the game some wag in the pub piped up something along the lines...does anyone have an effing clue what he's saying, chuckle chuckle.  I replied I did and told him to give over till Clarke had finished talking.  Silence.  Ahhh, gratifying...that and St.Kilda's win over the Eagles on Sunday.

[Jinxy]

Clarke got 3 goals today in Collingwoods loss to Hawthorn in what was one of the games of they year. Hats off to the boy!

[Denver Mayobridge]

Was that a senior match jinxy?

[mick999]

Report on the game here ..

http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5586/Default.aspx?newsId=46086

[mick999]

The lads on bigfooty are getting very excited about him now after his 2nd game  ...


How has Lucky Marty Clarke cruised into AFL so easily?
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=343528

[corn02]

Good stuff, glad to see him do well. 3 goals is excellent return in your second senior game.

[rory]

If you go to YouTube and search for 'Martin Clarke' there are two clips that look like they are from a magazine style Oz football show.  First one looks like it's from one of hi junior games and they are anazed by his 'filck' of the ball of f the ground.  Second one shows his soccer ball juggling skills.... with the Aussie football.  Looks like he could have been a soccer player too.

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=OHkrqVaxXOM

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=yFtZ1ZNf17g

[lisdoon1]

Legend in the making!!!!

[Declan]

Magpie fans are excited. My man in Oz says
Your man Clarke put in another good performance over the weekend, although we still got rolled in an excellent game. He kicked 3 goals, at least 2 of which were from set shots from a decent distance. Very promising.

[Spiritof98]

3 goals, was that for the 1st team or the reserve outfit.

[Jinxy]

1st team. The big boys.

[mick999]

Interview with marty here ...

http://bigpondguide.com/070703martin_1

And review of this week's game here .. http://bigpondguide.com/070702twtw_1
Then select

Rnd13 The Weekend That Was
Guy McKenna reviews Collingwood`s performance against Hawthorn. the direct link doesn't seem to work ...

http://afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=46445

Martin Clarke wins NAB AFL Rising Star nomination
10:55 AM Tue 3 July, 2007 | Back

By Jennifer Witham and Catherine Murphy

Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network

News

IRISH youngster Martin Clarke has been rewarded for his stunning start to his AFL career with the round 13 nomination for the NAB AFL Rising Star award.

The talented Magpie burst onto the scene against the Sydney Swans in round 12, and backed up on Sunday with an often-inventive three-goal performance against the Hawks. He becomes the second Irish player to win a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination after premiership defender Tadhg Kennelly in 2002.

Clarke, 19, has been described as "remarkable" by coach Mick Malthouse after picking up the game – and the specific skills required to play it – in less than 12 months.

He had 20 possessions in his first game against the Swans in round 12, and 19 against Hawthorn on Sunday.

"It's definitely unexpected [to be nominated]," Clarke told afl.com.au. "My focus was to get into the side and then once I got in, I just wanted to be clear on what role I had to play with Collingwood."

"I don't think I've done anything too special to get the nomination ahead of some great players. It's definitely a great honour for me."

Clarke said his parents have been extremely supportive of his move to Australia, and have already been to visit their son in his new surroundings of the Magpies' Lexus Centre.

"At first, they were a bit conservative about me coming out to Australia, but once they've got a feel for how much I'm enjoying it and how good a club Collingwood is, they've just been really supportive," he said.

"I think my brother and sister plan to come over too."

Incredibly, Clarke was informed of his nomination exactly one year after he arrived in Australia. The Magpies flew him out to undertake a month's trial with the oval ball in July 2006.

It's been a big 12 months for the teenager – for starters, he's the new cult hero for the black and white army – but he's just glad all the hard work has began to show dividends.

"A lot has changed in the year, but I've worked hard and the coaches and resources at Collingwood have been first class," he said.

"I've just listened to all the advice I've got from coaches and players and worked hard and did a bit extra after training. It's starting to come together now."

Clarke joins the following players to be nominated for the award so far this season: Paddy Ryder (Essendon), Cameron Wood (Brisbane Lions), Tom Hawkins (Geelong), Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood), Joel Selwood (Geelong), Ricky Petterd (Melbourne), Jess Smith (Kangaroos), Shaun Higgins (Western Bulldogs), Mitch Clark (Brisbane Lions), Bryce Gibbs (Carlton), Shannon Hurn (West Coast) and Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide).

[Denver Mayobridge]

Brilliant. Hope he takes Aussie Rules by storm. Then comes back and wins an all ireland for down!