Sandringham Dragons and Vic Metro talent Charlie Clarke is one of the leading small forward prospects ahead of the 2022 National Draft.
Clarke booted 29 goals in the NAB League this year, recording majors in 13 of his 15 appearances for the Dragons in a campaign that included a seven-goal haul against Tasmania in Round 4.
The Port Melbourne Colts product would also average 18.6 disposals, 4.1 inside 50s and 3.4 tackles per game, promising to be one of the leading pressure forward options from the 2022 pool.
Clarke also flexed his ability to move into midfield and further up the field when required, seeing his ball-winning traits on display in the forward half of the field.
His eye for goal and overall forward craft have Clarke in good stead as the draft nears, with the balanced attacker a potential first-round draft selection.
His confidence and competitive nature have driven comparisons to some of the most notable small forwards in the AFL in Toby Greene and Tom Papley.
Collingwood have been linked to the lively goalsneak with their opening pick at the draft at 16th overall, while Clarke may still be on the board for their second-round selections at 25 and 27.
GWS may also show some interest in Clarke with their late first-round selections, while the Western Bulldogs could also be considered as a potential landing spot.
Position: Small Forward
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Port Melbourne Colts
Date of Birth: 04/01/04
Height: 182cm
Weight: 80kg
Strengths
Forward Craft
Eye For Goal
Speed
Pressure
Weaknesses
Disposal
Draft range
Late First Round to Second Round
Potential landing spotsย
Collingwood (Pick 16, 25, 27), GWS (Pick 18, 19), Western Bulldogs (Pick 21), St Kilda (Pick 28, 32)
AFL Comparisons
Toby Greene
Ben Ainsworth
Toby McLean
Expert commentsย
"A small forward who shot to prominence in the NAB League when he kicked seven goals against the Tasmania Devils in just his fourth game in the competition earlier this year. Was able to win plenty of the ball, averaging 19 disposals, and finished with 29 goals in 15 matches for the Sandringham Dragons in their premiership year." - Kevin Sheehan
