Clark had come up well through juniors as another solid prospect in the talent factory that is Geelong football.
But as he enjoyed grand final day at a friend's place, with the Cats demolishing Sydney for the 2022 AFL premiership, Clark had little chance of being drafted by his local team.
Then came Gold Coast's stunning salary dump trade deal that sent Jack Bowes and a top-10 draft pick to Geelong. And just like that, two months after the grand final, that high selection made Clark a Cat.
So to this season, Clark's third, where he struggled for consistency and had to overcome two concussions. He only managed seven senior home-and-away games.
But he was impressive in a big training session during the pre-finals bye, catching the eye of coaches.
After only managing one or two minutes of game time as the sub in their qualifying final win over the Brisbane Lions, Clark was thrust into the opening quarter of last week's preliminary final when Tom Stewart was concussed.
Clark played well in the win over Hawthorn and suddenly, everyone will be watching him play in the grand final.
"If you'd told me six weeks ago that I'd be in this position, I would not have believed you, at all," said the 21-year-old, who played his junior footy for Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula.
"There are so many players on the fringe who could come in as well and play a role."
Geelong are renowned for recruiting well in their local area and it is crucial to their ongoing success. Growing up, Clark was acutely aware of what might be possible.
"You see Tom Stewart, Tom Atkins - they get picked up. You aspire to be them and it's very cool to watch them, then picture yourself hopefully in their position," he said.
"When the news came in that the trade might be happening I was very happy. It's a huge privilege to play for your home town, I'm very lucky to stay with family and friends and now hopefully play in the grand final.
"I remember in '22 what the town was like, it was crazy.
"Hopefully we can do the same this weekend."
But playing for the local team in the AFL grand final also creates a unique sort of buzz. All of his mum's side of the family, for example, follow Geelong.
"The messages in that group chat have been going off," he said.
"I'm trying to switch off the phone and social media. Just focus on training."
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