CTV > Martin Clarke post-match interview
CTV > Mick Malthouse post-match press conference
CTV > Watch the boys sing the song

In-form Magpie Martin Clarke spoke to CTV after the impressive 32-point victory over Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

In front of a big crowd 52,592, the Magpies fell behind by 28 points early in the second quarter of the round five encounter before finally hitting their straps, and booted eight goals to three in the second half to move to nine wins and six losses and stay within reach of the top four.

According to Clarke, who has played 13 matches in 2008 after appearing 12 times in his debut year of 2007, it was just a matter of the Magpies sticking to their game plan and converting their chances that triggered the turnaround.

“I suppose it wasn’t really a turning point, we just stuck at the game plan and maybe wore Adelaide down a bit,” Clarke said.

“We missed a few chances early, I think we had 2.6 on the board, then we got that up to 6.7, started hitting the target and scoring a few goals.

“Once we were coming strong, Adelaide couldn’t sustain their momentum, and thankfully we pulled away.”

The 20-year-old Irishman, who has been in excellent form over the past month, was one of the Magpies’ best against the Crows playing mainly off half back, gathering 21 possessions, laying five tackles and booting a goal.

While he could easily be mistaken for a someone who grew up playing the game and has played 100 matches, he insists he still has a long way to go.

“I was playing half back/wing, (I’m) still learning every game.

“Today was pretty good, working off my man, hopefully I can just keep improving, because I’ve got a lot still to learn.”

“Knowing where to run when we’re coming out of defence, when to stay on your man, as a defender, and when to work off him, when to go third man up, and when to stick on your man... there’s plenty to learn.

“I went forward a bit today as well, which I’ve never played before, so I have to ask coaches and players how best to play there... when to lead, when to crumb.”

His brief forward stint even yielded a goal, something he doesn’t get the opportunity to do that often.

“I haven’t scored a goal in a few weeks now, so that was a nice one, but I think the game was over, so it was just a bit of icing on the cake.”

Having put a game between themselves and the Crows, the Magpies now have seven rounds to ensure the club plays finals for the third-straight year.

“We obviously want to finish in the top four, that’s in our grasp now, so we have to just keep winning and concentrating on each game.

“If we keep winning, hopefully we can get in the top four and at the very least, in the eight, we just have to concentrate on every game as it comes.”