TOM CLUREY has risen from SANFL staple to Port Adelaide’s key backman in less than 12 months to help lead the Power defence to number one in the league.
There were some big shoes to fill when Alipate Carlile, the Power’s long-term full back, retired from AFL football at the end of the 2016 season.
Carlile hadn’t played a game since Round 10 and Clurey had been tasked with covering his role against the best forwards in the league.
He did such a good job that the then 22-year-old Clurey was asked to take on that role full-time.
In 2017, and for the first time in his AFL career, he has played every game of the season and is finally feeling solidified in his role.
“It was my goal at the start of this year to get a full AFL season and so far I’ve been able to do that so I just want to keep building on that,” Clurey told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“It’s just that growing confidence and knowing you can play at that level.
“When you come in and out of the team a bit you might be a bit unsure of yourself at times because you’re not playing consistently, but this year I have.
“I suppose it has been a confidence thing.”
Other backs like Jasper Pittard, Jack Hombsch and Matthew Broadbent have been in and out of the side and have caused a bit of inconsistency in the Power’s defensive structure this year.
But with a nearly non-existent injury list and younger players coming up through the ranks, Clurey says there’s been almost no hassle in covering those spots.
“There’s only a couple of little injuries here and there and the SANFL side has been playing well so it puts pressure on the AFL boys to perform,” Clurey said.
“If you don’t perform, there’s guys ready to come up and do the job.
“It’s been good knowing they have been able to fill in and get the job done.”
It’s a new challenge each week for Clurey having to battle against some of the toughest opponents in the competition.
But he’s held his own in 2017 and continues to hone his craft as the pointy end of the season approaches.
Of all the forwards he’s played against in his five years at the club, he’s in no doubt of his biggest challenge, saying Buddy Franklin is the biggest challenge he’s had to face.
“I played on him last year and thought I did an OK job… then we played them over there this year in Round 1 and got the win but he probably got the better of me that day.
“He’s probably one of the best that I’ve played on.”
Clurey extended his contract earlier in the year for another two seasons that will see him play at Port Adelaide until the end of 2019.
Despite being originally from Victoria, he says his choice was an easy one.
“I love the club and I love all the boys over here,” Clurey said.
“They’re a great bunch of guys and the club has been really supportive since day one.
“I just love it over here, it’s good.”
