AFL

Cats to unveil top draft pick Jhye Clark against Tigers

By AAP Newswire

May 11, 2023

Cameron Guthrie and Jhye Clark. — Jhye Clark (right) will make his AFL debut for Geelong against Richmond at the MCG. -AAP Image

Promising Geelong midfielder Jhye Clark will make his highly-anticipated AFL debut in the blockbuster clash with Richmond.

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The Cats have confirmed their top draft pick - taken at No.8 overall last year - will make his first senior appearance at the MCG on Friday night following strong VFL form.

The 18-year-old had 29 disposals and five marks in a breakout performance against Coburg two weeks ago and backed it up with 12 touches in half a game through the midfield against Southport.

Clark will be Geelong's second debutant of the season after Cooper Whyte played his first senior game in round two.

"Running out the race and through the banner is pretty cool to think about," Clark said.

"I've always grown up hoping that I would one day be able to do that and tomorrow night's the night.

"It's very special and I can't wait."

Geelong will be without captain Patrick Dangerfield against the Tigers after the star midfielder sustained a hamstring injury during last round's win over Adelaide.

It will keep Dangerfield sidelined for multiple weeks.

Fellow Brownlow Medal winner Trent Cotchin will return for Richmond after he was managed last week.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press