Beginning his AFL career as a hard-running midfielder, Ryan Clarke has re-invented himself over the last eight months as a rebounding defender. 

After being dropped from the senior side in the middle of 2017, North’s number 13 returned for the Roos’ last six games of the season in a new defensive role, and the results were instant. 

Across the final six games, Clarke averaged 26 disposals and three rebound 50s. 

With such a promising start to life down back, he’s now hoping to pick up where he left off. 

“I played six games in defence at the end of last year, and that was the first time I had played in the backline, including juniors,” Clarke told North Media.

“I felt that I got better game by game last year, and I’ve tried to pick up where I left off last year in this pre-season.”

Clarke attributes his so-far-successful transition to the work and help from his coaches and teammates.

“People like Drummo (Josh Drummond - Defence Coach), Marley Williams and Jamie Macmillan have really helped with my development,” he said. 

“They’ve encouraged me to play my natural game, but have given me plenty of pointers on positioning and that kind of thing.

“Marley (Williams) and J-Mac (Jamie Macmillan) have both played that higher position so they are able to help me out with where I need to be.” 

North’s two most senior key-defenders have also contributed to Clarke’s development, with the vocal styles of Robbie Tarrant and Scott Thompson helping him improve.

“Taz (Robbie Tarrant) and Turbo (Scott Thompson) have been really helpful in the way they lead vocally out on the park,” Clarke said.

“These guys were massive for me last year, helping me set  up, showing me where to stand or helping in any other way.” 

Despite successfully acclimatising to his new role so far, Clarke admits the added accountability that playing in the defence brings has been a challenge.

“It’s a bit difficult, because there’s nothing worse than if your man kicks a goal, and you don’t get as much of that pressure in the midfield,” he said. 

“Having that added accountability puts a bit more pressure on me.

“But it’s really good for my development, and it’s a position I’m keen to play.”

An attacking midfielder by nature, Clarke has had to curb his instincts to get forward more than he is used to.

“Finding that balance of knowing when to go and when to hold back has been one of the things I’ve had to work on,” he said. 

“When we’ve got the football it’s on and it’s great to attack, but when they’ve got it there’s no second guessing. The big thing is that I’m playing my role for the team.”

While his start to life as a defender has been mainly positive so far, Clarke is hoping that this experience will ultimately help him develop into a more well-rounded midfielder.

“I’m enjoying playing down there and attacking off half-back, but it’s also really good for my defensive part of the game,” he added. 

“I’m hopeful that in the future I can look to move back into the midfield and bring the skills I have developed in my time in defence when I do.”