Experience paid off for Clarke: Kennelly

SWANS’ star Tadhg Kennelly says that experience gained in Ireland was the key to Martin Clarke’s successful debut for the Magpies on Saturday night. Clarke's calm demeanour belied his inexperience as he collected 20 possessions in the Pies' 19-point victory over Sydney.

“The best thing with Martin is that he played in an All-Ireland minor final, so I’m sure it would have been second nature to him,” Kennelly said of his compatriot.

“He’s played in front of big crowds before. It’s probably a lot harder for 19-year-olds in Australia because they don’t have the opportunity to play in front of big crowds.”

Kennelly’s knee injury, which will leave him out of action for at least another two weeks, meant the two Irishmen did not line up against each other. However, Kennelly said the pair were in contact over the weekend.

“I rang him up when I found out that he was a chance of playing. I also rang him on Friday when he arrived in Sydney and then I rang him again before the game. I was saying to him that he’s taking all the attention off me. There’s not enough room in this country for more than one Irishman,” Kennelly joked.

Despite being gutted by the Swans’ loss, Kennelly was pleased with Clarke’s successful showing.

“It’s unbelievable to do what he did. He played really well which was superb … I was supposed to go down and see him in the rooms after the match, but only if we won. I was going to go down there and rub it in. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen,” Kennelly laughed.

Kennelly believes the Down-born Clarke is capable of big things in the future.

“The way he’s started, he’s really jumped out of the blocks. He’s done the initial work, it’s just a matter of continuing it week-in, week-out. If he can get some games under his belt, he can set himself up for a big pre-season and then play consistent football next year for the club.”