Essendon draftee Dylan Clarke hopes to continue to follow path set by brother Ryan
Toby Prime, Knox Leader
an hour ago
DYLAN Clarke is hoping to emulate the feats of his brother Ryan after Essendon recruited the midfielder in Friday nightâs draft.
Clarke, 18, was tipped to potentially be a second-round selection after impressive performances for Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships and at the national combine.
However, the Bombers nabbed the ball magnet when he slided to pick 63.
âThe later it went the more nervous I got but there was a lot of relief and excitement when I heard my name called out,â Clarke said.
âI was getting a bit uneasy, a bit nervous, I didnât really know what was happening or I didnât know if I was going to get called out.
âIâm just happy it did.â
Clarke has made habit of following in his brotherâs footsteps â both won the Eastern Ranges best and fairest, represented Vic Metro and made the TAC Cup Team of the Year.
Ryan, who watched the draft in Utah at North Melbourneâs training camp, was taken with pick 31 in last yearâs draft and managed six AFL games, one of which earnt him a Rising Star gong.
Dylan, who captained the Ranges captain this year, was one of the top midfielders at the under-18 national championships this year, ranking first for average contested possessions (13) and clearances (six), as well as second for disposals (24).
At the national combine he finished equal-fourth in the beep test (14.12) then ran a top-three time of 9min 52sec in the 3km time trial.
Ryan has provided his younger brother with advice during the year and despite now being at rival clubs, Clarke said he was sure the two would remain good mates.
âWe have a good relationship so Iâm sure it will be fine,â he said.
âIâll be going to Essendon with a good group of boys that I know.
âThe goal is (to play) Round 1 and get a good bond with all the players to do everything I can during pre-season.â
Ranges talent manager Len Villani tipped Clarke to make an impact at the Bombers in 2017.
âI think he plays senior footy next year, physically, mentally, emotionally he has all those boxes ticked,â Villani said.
âHe has the application and the dedication and that is what you need to be successful at AFL level.â
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/essendon-draftee-dylan-clarke-hopes-to-continue-to-follow-path-set-by-brother-ryan/news-story/2dedc10f0c46e7eb48935ebe2267863f