There is a level of excitement that is growing around the Cattery after Geelong's next generation took control of Thursday night's game, and Jhye Clark was the cornerstone of that notion after a phenomenal display at GMHBA Stadium. 

He certainly had to wait for his opportunity, playing the first three AFL games of the season before returning to VFL level, plying his trade and continuing to evolve his game with a stellar run of form. 

After a 14-week absence from the elite level, the opportunity beckoned for Clark's return on Thursday night and he grasped it with both hands, collecting a career-high 25 disposals and taking nine marks in a rock-solid display. 

What impressed the most however was his ability to influence big contests defensively, amassing a game-high 12 intercept possessions which was four more than any other player on the ground. 

One of seven changes for the game and among the in-form VFL players rewarded this week, Clark said it had been nice to build consistency with a core group of players, then to be able to implement that against the Saints on Thursday night. 

"In a way, it was good with 'Worps,' 'Closey,' Gryan and obviously Jay," Clark told Cats Media. 

"There are so many more boys in the VFL that could come up and play well. It was good fun to be out there, and it is nice when you see those guys going well.

"It is good to be back in the team. It was good, all the boys helped me a lot tonight.

"It is obviously nice to be back on the winner's list too, so it was good fun."

It had been a slightly strange period for Clark in recent months, as he and the Cats coaching panel worked to determine what position was best to utilise his combination of skill and toughness. 

After being touted as more of an inside midfielder to start his career at Geelong, the 21-year-old spent time across half forward to commence the 2026 season, bringing plenty of pressure and hitting the scoreboard in two of his first three AFL games for the year. 

But upon returning to the VFL, Clark was deployed across half back and the move paid dividends, finding plenty of the footy which included three consecutive games collecting 30 disposals or more, which ultimately earned him a spot at AFL level in Round 19. 

Playing that same position, he went on to have a phenomenal impact on Thursday night against St Kilda, often putting his body on the line and never backing away from a contest. 

Clark told Cats Media that the stint in the VFL was something he needed to help his development, which led to his strong performance in the victory over the Saints. 

"At the start of the year, I didn't really have a solidified spot," Clark said. 

"But it was good to go back to the VFL, then find that consistency off half back.

"I was able to learn and get confidence back there, which put me in good stead for tonight."