Jordan Clark hopes he can recapture his best form in the second half of the season, saying he hasn’t met his on-field expectations so far in 2023.
The defender enjoyed a breakout season in 2022 after his trade from Geelong, averaging 21 disposals and 341 metres gained.
These averages have dropped to 18 disposals and 267 metres gained in 2023, with his 28 disposals against St Kilda the standout.
The 22-year-old said he’s been leaning on the coaching group to find a way to get back having to his usual impact.
“The one thing I try and base my game on is my high work rate (but) I feel like I’ve been not up to where I need to be,” Clark told SEN WA.
“I’ve had a few conversations around the Club about trying to get a bit higher (up the ground) and get a bit more out of myself.
“It would be nice to start getting my hands on the footy a bit more for how hard I’ve been running. It’s always a nice place to start, with your work rate.”
Clark said he and his teammates were looking forward to the opportunity to get their season back on track against GWS on Saturday at Giants Stadium.
After winning four straight games going into the bye, Fremantle lost their chance to go into the top eight with a 15-point loss to Richmond.
Sitting 10th with a 6-6 record, Clark knows a win will keep Freo in touch with the teams chasing finals.
“We’ll have a strong focus on the game ahead. I think everyone at the Club is well aware this is a really important game in terms of our season,” Clark said.
“So is every game every week, they all carry the same weight so we won’t change our mindset and go about it the same way.”
Clark said Freo’s backline would be wary of Giants star forward Toby Greene, who has kicked 32 goals from 11 games this season.
“As a backline group, we’re a six v six defence at any time on the ground,” Clark said.
“For however long it is, it could be 30 seconds or something on the weekend, I might rub shoulders with him.
“I’m sure he’ll have a matchup, but I haven’t been matched up with him in my time.
“He’s a very dangerous player and hard to play on. If I was called upon I’d love to have a crack at it, that’s for sure.”
TEAM: Freo welcome back two
Gallery: Main training 14 June
New mindset, new Treacy
