Fremantle have hit back at comments made by Geelong chief executive Steve Hocking on Dockers recruit and now ex-Cat Jordan Clark.
Clark, 21, ventured back to his home state of Western Australia after requesting a move away from the Cattery with a year left on his contract.
Geelong and Fremantle were able to come to an agreement on the final day of the trade period, with Geelong receiving Pick 22 and a future third-round selection from the Dockers, while also sending a future fourth-round pick of their own along with Clark.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Inside50s
The speedy utility was limited to just the 11 appearances this season, four of which came as a medical sub.
Hocking, who has recently arrived at Kardinia Park as the club's new boss, stated that Clark had perhaps failed to reach expectations in his required workload during his time with the Cats.
โFor our younger players, you have to do the work,โ Hocking said on 3AWย this week.
โIf you do get an opportunity, you need to grab it with both hands and push past some of those experienced players.
โThatโs the comment I would make around Jordan Clark.โ
Now, Hocking's Fremantle counterpart Simon Garlick has come to the defence of the Dockers' newest face, lambasting the Geelong CEO's remarks in regards to Clark's efforts.
Speaking toย The West Australian,ย Garlick expressed his disappointment in Hocking's comments while placing his support behind Clark's "character".
โHe is a person of high character, very high talent and just starting out his career,โ
โWe donโt feel it is appropriate for senior figures at opposition clubs to publicly criticise players that are not on their list.โ
The Cats' list demographic has been criticised in recent years as they rank as the oldest list in the AFL and continue to see young talent depart.
The Cats also bid farewell to tall Nathan Kreuger, who joined the Magpies after just two games with Geelong.
