But on Friday night, playing his first WAFL game, the 19-year-old confirmed his promise.
The former basketballer, who has just one full season of football to draw on, stepped straight into the East Perth side and held his own against more experienced opponents.
"East Perth were getting thrashed and he still managed to go quite well," development coach Steve Malaxos said.
"We know he's pretty promising but it sort of highlighted his promise. It wasn't out of the blue, and it wasn't totally surprising. But we went in to the game thinking, 'this kid's a promising player', and it just confirmed that."
Youngsters Chris Hall and Greg Broughton also had solid games on the weekend, with Broughton set to come under consideration for Fremantle's clash with Essendon this Sunday.
Ahead of Thursday's selection, Malaxos shares his WAFL notes with fremantlefc.com.au.
East Fremantle 13.15 (93) d East Perth 5.16 (46)
Zac Clarke: He played in the ruck and made a very promising start. He was particularly good around the ground using his excellent endurance. He looked ready for senior WAFL footy on the weekend and should be able to contribute for East Perth.
Chris Hall: This was his first game for East Fremantle and he played very well. He ran into space to receive the ball often and was effective running into the forward line. He capped off his work nicely with two goals.
West Perth 17.12 (114) d South Fremantle 16.11 (107)
Adam Campbell: Started very well, kicking two goals, but suffered a knee injury five minutes into the second quarter and didn't return. It's a minor injury and he should be available this week. We're asking Adam to continually lead and put pressure on when he doesn't have the ball.
Daniel Gilmore: Played centre half-back for South Fremantle and started well, attacking off half-back. He faded as the game wore on. We're hoping to develop him in that defensive role.
Peel Thunder 16.13 (109) d Perth 16.10 (106)
Tim Ruffles: Playing for Perth, it was also his first WAFL game. He played forward and in defence, playing better in defence. He used the ball well on a couple of occasions and played a steady game.
Swan Districts 14.17 (101) d Subiaco 15.7 (97)
Greg Broughton: He played mainly in defence for Subiaco and had a stint up forward. Created a good link for Subiaco coming out of defence and played a solid game in their close loss.
Luke Pratt: Played deep in defence for Swans, mainly on Daniel Chick. He played a good game showing plenty of desperation and composure. However, Chick did kick three goals.
Clayton Hinkley: Was busy and involved for Swans on-ball and as a running forward. Linked up play with handball quite often and had a couple of shots on goal, but wasn't able to convert.
Michael Walters: Played mainly as a forward for Swans and had a little run on the ball. Didn't have a lot of possessions, but what he did was effective – including two goals. He also laid one outstanding tackle in the first quarter, which created a turnover.
