Hard work driving emerging TigerBy Tate Spiteri
Richmond Media
2 February 2023Judson Clarke wants the ball in his hands.
At home, training, and most notably, when the game is on the line.
"I always had a footy in my hand growing up; I still have them in my room, on my bed, and everywhere really, ready to pick up," Clarke explained.
So it is no surprise that the exciting youngster has already shown Richmond fans his silky finishing ability, offering a glimpse of the future in his three senior AFL matches last year.
The left-footer popped up with a crucial goal in the fourth term against eventual premiers Geelong at a heaving MCG in Round 15, and also, with all eyes on him, made no mistake from consecutive first-quarter set shots, as he debuted in front of Friday night lights a fortnight earlier.
Off-Broadway at VFL level, with the Tigers needing to win their Round 22 clash against Frankston to be a chance at a finals berth, Clarke's third goal from 19 disposals was a miraculous match-winner from the boundary line.
"Without pressure, I know I am a good kick at goal, so even if I am under pressure, I just need to carry the same process out," the youngster told Richmond Media.
"I like feeling that pressure and am confident in my skills and execution - so if the game was on the line, I'd love that situation."
Such finishing ability is no fluke for Clarke, with the youngster's innate love for football helping him to develop an excellent self-driven work rate.
"I love getting in and training every day; it makes me feel good and has been how I have lived my life from a very young age,” he said.
"Ever since I can remember, it has been my dream to play AFL footy; I basically live and breathe it and am always at the Club."
Clarke said his high work rate developed through his junior football days stemmed from the same simple desire - to touch the football.
"Running was a way for me to get more of the ball at training (because) I just could not be waiting on the back of the cone," he said.
"I did it to get my touch up, but I think that ended up teaching me to work hard because that is how you improve ultimately."
The 19-year-old was speaking to Richmond Media from Apollo Bay and his second pre-season camp, where he was continuing to lay claims for senior selection come the start of the season.
"I definitely set goals because it's something to look forward to," he said.
"Mine are to play as many (AFL) games as I can, and hopefully more than last year (three). Every week I will be working at it week-by-week and trusting that process."
Clarke hopes that Richmond fans learn to appreciate him “as a player that excites them” and will continue to work on his forward craft while also developing other aspects of his game on the training track.
"I have definitely been working hard on a forward role and also expanding my game to give me more versatility for the coaches to give them confidence I can do the job in multiple spots," he said.
"Kane (Lambert) has been a huge help, I see him every day, and there is nothing I can't ask him, and he is always there - he is unreal.
"Other young boys too, like Sam Banks, Maurice (Rioli Junior), and Jase (Castagna) as well, I lean into them and their knowledge of their own roles (to help me)."
Clarke who has committed to the Club until the end of 2025, added that being drafted among a crop of five had been beneficial for him.
“The bond and relationship that we all share is pretty good, and I am really excited that the other four boys I was drafted with have signed on until 2025 as well,” he said.
“I am really excited that our journey will continue to go through (together) and am really glad it has happened like that.”
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1266971/hard-work-driving-emerging-tiger
