IRISH youngster Martin Clarke has been rewarded for his stunning start to his AFL career with the round 13 nomination for the NAB AFL Rising Star award.

 

The talented Magpie burst onto the scene against the Sydney Swans in round 12, and backed up on Sunday with an often-inventive three-goal performance against the Hawks. He becomes the second Irish player to win a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination after premiership defender Tadhg Kennelly in 2002.

 

Clarke, 19, has been described as "remarkable" by coach Mick Malthouse after picking up the game – and the specific skills required to play it – in less than 12 months.

He had 20 possessions in his first game against the Swans in round 12, and 19 against Hawthorn on Sunday.

"It's definitely unexpected [to be nominated],” Clarke told afl.com.au. “My focus was to get into the side and then once I got in, I just wanted to be clear on what role I had to play with Collingwood."

"I don't think I've done anything too special to get the nomination ahead of some great players. It's definitely a great honour for me."

Clarke said his parents have been extremely supportive of his move to Australia, and have already been to visit their son in his new surroundings of the Magpies’ Lexus Centre.

"At first, they were a bit conservative about me coming out to Australia, but once they've got a feel for how much I'm enjoying it and how good a club Collingwood is, they've just been really supportive," he said.

"I think my brother and sister plan to come over too."

Incredibly, Clarke was informed of his nomination exactly one year after he arrived in Australia. The Magpies flew him out to undertake a month's trial with the oval ball in July 2006.

It’s been a big 12 months for the teenager – for starters, he's the new cult hero for the black and white army – but he's just glad all the hard work has began to show dividends.

"A lot has changed in the year, but I've worked hard and the coaches and resources at Collingwood have been first class," he said.

"I've just listened to all the advice I've got from coaches and players and worked hard and did a bit extra after training. It's starting to come together now."

Clarke joins the following players to be nominated for the award so far this season: Paddy Ryder (Essendon), Cameron Wood (Brisbane Lions), Tom Hawkins (Geelong), Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood), Joel Selwood (Geelong), Ricky Petterd (Melbourne), Jess Smith (Kangaroos), Shaun Higgins (Western Bulldogs), Mitch Clark (Brisbane Lions), Bryce Gibbs (Carlton), Shannon Hurn (West Coast) and Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide).