Clancee Pearce – 2008 AFL Draftee Profile

So unheralded that he didn’t make our initial list – that’s one way to describe this tough mid sized defender from Western Australia. Also a talented cricketer, Pearce had an excellent U/18 Championships, where he won the MVP award for the WA side. By request – we bring to you Clancee Pearce.

Height: 183cm
Weight: 90kg
Position: Defender
Club: Swan Districts

Who we think he may turn out like: Campbell Brown
Who we hope he doesn’t turn out like: Sam Hunt

 
In a draft of freak athletes, it’s no surprise Clancee Pearce doesn’t stand out from the pack. But don’t let that fool you – Pearce has a lot to bring to the table.

In the age of the tall, fast athlete – Pearce is your old school footballer. An AFL ready body comes equipped with a smart football brain, which is a major reason he was able to compete to such a high level in the WAFL over the past season.

Pearce is a very solid running half-back, who is not afraid to go in and get the ball, and also refuses to give his opponent an inch. His defensive side of his game is very good – he has an excellent work rate, is very good at ground level, and works especially well in heavy traffic. As he showed in the U/18 Championships, his defensive abilities are very valuable to the team and it was good to see him acknowledged for his efforts.

Pearce also has attacking skills so don’t just pen him down as a Mick Martyn-like defender. His kicking style is rather unconventional (although not quite Jimmy Manson like), yet very effective, and he is more than able to set up a forward thrust through the corridor of the ground.

Downsides to Pearce? There’s a query over whether he will ever be able to be used through the middle of the ground. That will probably stop him being drafted too high as he will solely be seen as a defender. On the flip side – that means someone is likely to get a very good, ready made defender without using a premium draft pick.

By popular demand, we brought you Clancee Pearce – will he be in such demand come draft day? Show us some love with a shout out or a comment!