Promising Cats defender Jordan Clark says a view to the long term has given him perspective on missing out on the Cats round two and three AFL clashes.

Clark, who showed enormous potential whilst playing 18 games in 2019, has missed the Cats last two matches after playing in the season opener against GWS.

But rather than being demoralised at his non-selection he’s taken the advice of skipper Joel Selwood in having a long-term view of his career.

“It was obviously disappointing and frustrating, but I got over it quickly. There are always hurdles in footy careers, they come in many forms, but every single player will hit one.” Clark wrote in his Geelong Advertiser column.

“Our captain Joel Selwood put his arm around me and reminded me that he had been dropped early in his career too.

“We have a really good relationship and the chat helped me process the disappointment. That is why he is the captain of the club. That’s what great leaders do.

“I am reminded that players like Paul Chapman and Jimmy Bartel, who became champions of the Geelong footy club, were also dropped to the VFL for an extended period early in their careers after getting a taste of AFL action.”

And whilst Clark, who also represented Australia in junior cricket, had “for the first time in my footy career, at any level and at any side” been dropped, he looked to have fun in the Cats competitive hit out with the Blues reserves on Saturday.

“It was such great fun playing in the reserves match against Carlton on Saturday.” Clark wrote.

“I just went out there and played without pressure, without worrying too much about anything. The message was simple: just play, have fun and block out the pressure to perform.

“‘Fun’ being the main part: that feeling of what footy should be like.”

However, Clark might not have to wait too long to return to the Cats AFL ranks with a strong performance in the reserves session and some fitness tests for teammates potentially opening the door for his return against the Demons on Sunday.