Geelong Falcons captain Jhye Clark is among the leading pack of inside midfielders within the draft class of 2022, proving to be a standout with his leadership and ball-winning ability.

Clark has enjoyed a stellar season with the Falcons at the NAB League level, while being a prominent feature for Vic Country and earnt a spot in the Australia side that clashed with Collingwood earlier this year.

He averaged 25.4 disposals, 4.8 tackles, 5.8 inside 50s and 4.7 marks from his nine games with the Falcons, and was named among the best afield on three occasions at the National Championships level.

A reliable student of the game, Clark firms as a low risk selection at the draft.

The hard-nosed teenager has previously been touted as a potential top-five selection at the National Draft, entering this year as a close rival to highly-rated Sandringham midfielder Will Ashcroft and Oakleigh Chargers star George Wardlaw.

SEE ALSO: 2022 DRAFT PROFILES CATALOGUE

The rise of fellow top prospects and the potential list needs for clubs atop the draft order is likely to see Clark on offer come the sixth selection of the night, with a handful of clubs picking early into the first round set to have their fingers crossed Clark slips to their spot.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jhye Clark is tackled by Alwyn Davey of Victoria Metro during the 2022 U18 Championships match between Vic Metro and Vic Country at Marvel Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Suns, Hawks and mostly the Cats are sure to be strongly considering the contested bull's name, with the latter a fitting home given Clark's ties to Kardinia Park.

Geelong would also be recruiting a prospect seen as a clone of retired Cats champion Joel Selwood, with Clark levelling the four-time premiership great's own development as a leading name at the draft for his leadership qualities and impact on the game.

Albeit a Collingwood fan, a spot at the Cattery is sure to have the Queenscliff native feeling right at home.

State:ย Victoria Country
State League Club: Geelong Falcons
Community Club: Queenscliff
Date of Birth: 23/07/04
Height: 181cm
Weight: 77kg

Strengths

Ball-Winning Ability
Leadership
Consistency
Low Risk

Weaknesses

Speed

Draft Range

6-10

Potential Landing Spots

Gold Coast (Pick 5), Hawthorn (Pick 6), Geelong (Pick 7)

AFL Comparisons

Joel Selwood
Luke Parker