“I’ve got a lot of self belief”: Eagle recruit who didn't watch the draft plans to slot straight in
West Coast recruit Greg Clark says he “100 per cent” plans to carve out a place in the Eagles’ senior team next season.
A former Western Australia representative at U16 and U18 level, the rebounding defender was drafted with pick 62 from Subiaco, where he has played in three premierships.
Smith has 26 disposals, 14 tackles and six marks in the Lions’ 44 point win over South Fremantle in the 2021 WAFL Grand Final, and was awarded the Simpson Medal as best afield.
“I think the finals campaign I managed to have at Subiaco really gave me the personal belief that I’m ready for the next level and that next challenge,” he told SEN’s Gilly and Goss.
“I’ll have to adjust along with the rest of the draftees to what life is like as an AFL player, but I think I’ve proven in the WAFL that I am ready to take that next step.
“My ambitions aren’t to come in and be an Eagles WAFL player, I want to take the chance at AFL level.
“I’ve got a lot of self belief that I can do it. My ambitions will be nothing less than to play AFL next year.”
At one point on Thursday night, when the second and subsequent rounds of the draft were called out, it appeared his dream would be delayed in the best case scenario.
After the Eagles read out key position player Jack Williams’ name at pick 57, their third selection of the night, Clark checked out.
“I thought that was the last opportunity for the night, and if anything I’d be moving to the rookie draft,” he related.
“I didn’t watch it as pick 62 came up, and the Eagles swooped in and made the trade to get it.
“Ever since then it’s just been an absolute blur, and such an exciting time for my family.
“I’m still coming to terms with it, it’ll take a couple of days to sink in but I’m just over the moon.”
He hadn’t given up hope of winning a list spot, however.
“I still thought I deserved a chance if it came today (Friday) in the rookie draft,” he continued.
“But for me I thought the night had come to an end, some clubs had started to pass and the clubs I’d been speaking to had used their picks.
“I’m just so grateful the Eagles made the decision to take the chance on me.”
If and when the 24-year-old debuts in blue and gold, he will have plenty of support in the stands at Burswood.
“I’ve got probably 30 family members and close friends, and every single one of them has always been an Eagles fan,” he revealed.
“Once the Eagles made the call, it was just such a joyous moment for everyone. I had my immediate family with me and everyone was crying and having an absolute ball.”