Jonathon Bernard: Marty, first of all welcome back. The Magpie Army is excited with the announcement that you are returning to the club.
Marty Clarke: Thanks Jono, I have always loved the passion of our supporters.
JB: When did you start thinking about a return to the club?
MC: It has always been on my mind. Ever since I left. I have stayed very connected to the club with what they have been achieving on field.
JB: How did you stay connected?
MC: Well, ESPN UK show most Friday night and Saturday matches. Fortunately the Pies don’t play on too many Sundays as you know Derek is in Ireland every year as part of the Ireland program.
When he was over earlier in the year he came to my house and we watched the Richmond game together and he discussed how the game had changed and the areas I would need to improve to play in the AFL again He also said that because I have strong endurance it would assist with the way the game has changed.
JB: And of course through collingwoodfc.com.au?
MC: Of course.
JB: When did the return to Collingwood look like a reality?
MC: Well it was never a sure thing until the papers were stamped today. But I knew it was the right decision when I came out to Melbourne earlier in the year.
I met with Bucks and we spoke about what I wanted to achieve. I was fortunate to play with Bucks in his final year and I always knew he was a person who strived for excellence.
I think he wanted to make sure my heart and head were 100 per cent committed to the task.
JB: In your final year at the club you received permission to leave during the second half of the season to attend your sister’s wedding. It appeared your “heart” wasn’t in it. And you confirmed it when you left at the end of the season.
Why do you think you are committed this time?
MC: I am two years older. I see this opportunity as a career now. When I went back home and I played for County Down, I realised how fortunate we are to play this great sport (AFL) for a living. It’s something I probably took for granted at the time I spoke regularly with Derek and he was very firm on how the list was developing and what the clubs expectations would be if I was to return.
The one thing that Derek (Hine) has said all the time was how important it was to bring a group of players through together in the year I came to the club. Dawesy, Sharrod, Reidy, Browny, Caff and Goldy have all played in a premiership I can’t tell you how much I want to rejoin the group and I fully understand how much work is in front of me I see this opportunity as a greater challenge than when I first arrived at the club. But this time I know I am lot better prepared.
JB: It’s not a traditional second chance, but is this how you are viewing it?
MC: Indeed. There is so much more I want to accomplish as a Collingwood player. Not many people get second chances and I know that.
JB: What have you been doing since your return home?
MC: Good question. I have been a coaching officer within primary schools. I have been teaching younger kids how to play Gaelic football. It’s been really enjoyable. I love working with kids.
J.B: Do you speak to our recent Irish signing Caolan Mooney?
MC: Absolutely Caolan has returned home after a month’s training at Collingwood and will return for the start of training soon. He lives only a 10 minute drive from my home so myself and Caolan have been training regularly and believe me he is a talent. I think Caolan will play very quickly he has unbelievable speed and agility he has picked up his kicking very quickly.
J.B: Do you see yourself as a mentor for both Caolan and Paul Cribbin?
MC: Yes, it is something that I have spoken to Derek (Hine) about I have held leadership roles at Down and I really want to support both Caolan and Paul it is something that I am really looking forward to I think I can be a great support both on and off the field.
JB: Did you ever bring out the Sherrin?
MC: Of course, it’s something I have always carried around. Not sure the kids can get their heads around it.
JB: And on the field? You returned to Gaelic?
MC: That’s right. Last year we played some amazing games (for County Down) to make it to the final against Cork but it wasn’t to be.
This year at my club An Riocht, we have been fairly ordinary.
JB: Did your time in the AFL system help or hurt your Gaelic game?
MC: The first thing I noticed when I returned home was my communication with teammates improved. It’s something which is paramount and ‘normal’ in AFL but in Gaelic very few players yell out.
I felt obliged to use my voice and communicate.
In play I was off loading the ball a lot quicker when I returned. In AFL you need to be wary of getting caught holding the footy and I took that instinct back home with me.
JB: The Magpies have enjoyed on-field success during your absence. What has surprised you about the group?
MC: I can’t believe the amount of improvement in everyone. Players that I was playing with at the VFL level, who looked like they might not make it, are now superstars. It’s amazing.
When I left we lost in a preliminary final to Geelong. Most people thought we weren’t ready to contend for a premiership.
Everyone has gone to another level. I can also tell that there is a strong belief and trust within the playing group.
JB: Are you worried that you will have to battle your way into such a brilliant side?
MC: Don’t worry. I haven’t stood still while everyone has moved forward. I have put on a little size and my endurance is near its peak.
I have worked on my body for the last two years to harden it for the way we play in the AFL.
JB: I take it we will see you slot back into that halfback running defender?
MC: I haven’t thought about my position. There are 45 guys on the list and I am number 45.
I have a lot of work to do to prove myself to the group and to the new coach.
JB: When are you returning?
MC: Soon, definitely within the month. I want to get back before the boys return from holiday and settle myself.
I am going to keep my head down and work my backside off over these next few months.
JB: Who have you heard from?
MC: Bucks was the first one to congratulate me. Eddie sent me an email. I had about a dozen text messages from the boys.
JB: You know our star ruckman wears number 18?
MC: I guess I will have my third number at the club.
JB: How much do you think a 21-minute phone bill will cost me?
MC: You better hang up.
JB: See you soon Marty.
MC: Can’t wait Jono.
