Geelong selected Queenscliff onballer Jhye Clark with its first selection in the AFL draft on Monday night.
Clark got to stay locally with the Cats selecting the young with pick number 8.
Clark is being touted as a future leader and a ready made player who could slot into Geelong’s side as early as round one next year.
The 181cm midfielder was captain for the Geelong Falcons this season and won the best and fairest while also leading Vic Country during the national championships where he finished runner-up to the number two overall pick Will Ashcroft in Larke Medal voting.
Geelong recruiting manager Stephen Wells said the club was thrilled to add a player of Clark’s potential to the list.
“We’re really excited to add a player of Jhye’s caliber to our club,” he said.
“He’s had an exceptional 12 months, leading both the Falcons and Vic Country, while also playing some terrific football himself.
“We love his competitive nature, and his leadership traits as an 18 year old are really encouraging.
“We think Jhye will be a terrific addition to the Geelong Football Club and has the potential to be a very good player for a long time.”
The draft will continue tonight with GWS holding the first live pick at pick 22.
Geelong’s next, and only other, pick is not until No 52.
