Ex-Western Bulldogs forward Charlie Clarke is making waves in the VFL for Port Melbourne, putting himself on the radar of an AFL recall.
Former Borough teammate Dyson Heppell, who saw the development and improvement in Clarke, said it wouldn't be a shock if he makes his way to the big time.
"He's got a whole heap of talent," Heppell told Zero Hanger.
"He's put a lot of work physically to get himself in really good order throughout the course of the pre-season just gone and ended up just smashing the 2km time trial that we did.
"He's got himself in ripping nick and playing some great footy.
"So I wouldn't be surprised if we see him back on an AFL list in the mid-season draft or towards the back end of the year."
Clarke joined the Borough ahead of the 2025 season, and has impressed during his 15 games for the club, kicking 19 goals and finding plenty of the football in the front half.
Spending two years at the Bulldogs, Clarke played one solitary game in in the tri colours during 2024 before he was delisted.
There's a host of clubs that have available list spots in the upcoming mid-season draft which could consider the ex-Bulldog.
West Coast and Port Adelaide both have a pair of vacancies at the club, while Adelaide, Collingwood, Hawthorn, St Kilda and GWS have flexibility.
The Power have pushed for more small forwards, and considered former Pie Jaidyn Stephenson before opting not to select him in the pre-season.
The Eagles have been looking for mature-age talent, and snared a trio of midfielders as rookies, but could bolster their front half with a pressure forward.
Melbourne could potentially open up two spots in the mid-season draft, with veteran ruckman Tom Campbell considering retirement and Jai Culley tearing his ACL.
The Giants have an affinity to attracting players in search of a second chance at AFL football, and given their desire to add speed to its list, could consider Clarke.
