I Can See Cleary Now….the doubt has gone

[josie]

Thought Cleary deserved a post of his own. Well done young man.

I’ve followed Luke in vfl and always thought his decision making, positioning and disposal was good. Was concerned he was a bit slight and average speed and therefore wasn’t going to receive more senior games. I honestly thought he should be delisted late last year (because why keep a player if given no opportunities to play?). Then I was gutted to see him concussed in that horrible collision vs North Round 1 so I’m super delighted he is ok & fought his way back into side.

Anyhow, great to see him play well and receive some kudos. As a few have said, some players take a bit longer to develop.

[angelopetraglia]

Great call out Josie. Agree 100%. He was outstanding on the weekend.

[Critter]

Spot on. He blends defensive skills with an attacking mindset. The four running defenders - JJ, Baileydale, Bramble & Cleary - are similar in that they all send the ball deep into attack. As a unit, they allow us to apply pressure on the oppo defence continuously throughout a game. And having Baileywilliams available means we can top up with defensive skills and physicality when needed.

[Aidan7557]

Won me over with his form. Don't know how he does it. Not that quick, can't jump that high, not that strong (taller then he looks), and doesn't have a big kick but in a quirky way looks comfortable out there. His intercept game is in good order and his kicking is very safe. His spot to lose and looks like he was won it.

[hujsh]

I was underwhelmed with him pre-season but he's fit in well in the real stuff. Hope he keeps it up because we have role for him

[Bornadog]

A couple of years ago he played in Ballarat and I saw some good signs, but then he was dropped to allow a more experienced player come in. It was the GWS match in Ballarat where we lost Bruce and Keith and lost the match by 5 points. I was a little disappointed in him being dropped and even only had 8 touches, but he was playing a defensive role like on Saturday.

Last year he played two matches and after that didn't find the same form to work his way back in the team. I too, thought he should have been delisted, but he had a contract till the end of this year.

So far this year he has done a good job and hope he can keep it up. That dash through the middle was a beauty, so more of that please.

[Axe Man]

I think Cleary is quicker than people realise. Definitely holds his own compared to opposition players and hit the top speed recorded in the game v Brisbane.

[Bornadog]

I think Cleary is quicker than people realise. Definitely holds his own compared to opposition players and hit the top speed recorded in the game v Brisbane.

Pretty quick for a 191cm man.

[azabob]

Cleary has been a super long burn.

He was drafted as a 19 year old at pick 61 and earned a two year extension early in his second year even though only playing four afl games.

The club must have seen something in him to invest three years with relatively nil return and if we are all honest if he was delisted and had his contract paid out at the end of 2024 no one would’ve batted an eyelid.

Now he is seen as our first choice small / mid defender ahead of Taylor Duyrea.

[azabob]

I was underwhelmed with him pre-season but he's fit in well in the real stuff. Hope he keeps it up because we have role for him

I hear ya. But clearly the club didn’t because he has played every game when fit so far in 2025.

[hujsh]

I hear ya. But clearly the club didn’t because he has played every game when fit so far in 2025.

They usually know best. I'm sure they were far more aware of his speed than I was for starters!

[azabob]

They usually know best. I'm sure they were far more aware of his speed than I was for starters!

Yes, yes they do!!!

[Rusty12]

Great Thread, and wanted to clap the thread name.

[Prince Imperial]

Looking back at the Season 2024 Predictions thread, I was the only poster to nominate Cleary as their bolter.

I'm a year out, but I just want to brag about my football acumen.

He's always been a good decision-maker and user at VFL level and was solid in the few opportunities he was given in the seniors.

[Grantysghost]

Looking back at the Season 2024 Predictions thread, I was the only the only poster to nominate Cleary as their bolter.

I'm a year out, but I just want to brag about my football acumen.

He's always been a good decision-maker and user at VFL level and was solid in the few opportunities he was given in the seniors.

PI isn't just the ratio, it's the source.