Interim Geelong West coach Andrew Clark has revealed he was first approached last weekend about the possibility of returning to the Giants if it was to part company with incumbent Scott Frangos.
When the decision was made early this week that Frangos’ tenure would come to an end five rounds into his third season in charge, Clark had already indicated he would be willing to return to Scaada Stadium.
“I actually got a phone call, it was only last Saturday, to say that the club were thinking of asking Scott to either step down or they’d move him on, and where I sat with that,” Clark told K rock Football.
“I said that I was available if needed.
“I prefer it didn’t happen, but if things went that way, that I’d be available, and it happened very quickly from there.”
Clark’s first stint at the club began in 2016, when the club was still known as the Cheetahs.
He saw them through the transition to the Giants the following year, after a winless final season in blue and gold, to their first finals appearance in more than 20 years in 2018.
Clark says there are similarities between the beginning of his first stint and what he’s taking on just over ten years later.
“I suppose the only difference this time… is the numbers are a lot better,” he said.
“Back in those days, we really struggled for numbers, so the numbers are there.
“A lot of good juniors coming through, which back in those days we didn’t have juniors at all… that might make the transition a little bit easier.
“It’s going to be a hard challenge for the next three months.”
Since stepping down during local football’s Covid-19 pause, the West list has undergone significant changes, while Clark has been an assistant at GFNL club Grovedale and in a lead role with the Giants’ women’s team.
It means the first few weeks of Clark’s second stint will be very much “getting to know you”.
“I said to the group (on Wednesday night), normally you start back in November, and get to know everybody; their weaknesses and strengths, and what their dislikes and likes are,” he said.
“Going into Round 6, it was a little bit daunting on Wednesday night.
“But, the playing group were really accepting, and it was good.”
Winless after five rounds, Geelong West’s first challenge under Clark is a trip to Fortis Foundations Oval to play Inverleigh.
However, he says the remainder of the 2026 season isn’t about wins.
“It’s just improving each week, and trying to get better as a team, and working together to get that first win on the board,” he said.
“And maybe looking at different players in different positions – just trying different things.
“But, also try and consolidate over the next 12 or 13 weeks, so everyone’s on board going forward.”
The Giants have made three changes for the meeting with the Hawks,
Brayden Mitchell and Nick Butters return after missing the loss to Thomson, while Jack Logan has been recalled from the reserves.
They replace Frangos, Lachie Lolait, and Daniel Pollard.
Inverleigh regains star forward Mason Dickson from injury, replacing Jarvis Miles.
Unbeaten Werribee Centrals welcome back one player from suspension, while losing another among two changes for Saturday night’s clash with reigning premier North Geelong.
Daryl Chesterman returns after serving a one-match ban for an incident in the win over Thomson.
However, Matthew Watt will commence a two-match suspension for rough conduct in the victory over the Belmont Lions.
Watt was offered a three-match sanction with an early guilty plea, but after challenging the impact grading at the AFL Barwon tribunal on Wednesday night, the suspension was reduced.
Blake Taylor will make his first senior appearance of the season, with Connor Linehan-Cunningham sidelined with a shoulder issue.
The Magpies have included big man Tom Davis for his first game of the season and welcomed back premiership teammate Charlie Farrell.
They replace interleague squad member Cooper Vaughan (knee) and Dylan Fisher.
East Geelong has lost Jayden Fanning to a hamstring injury and dropped Samson Brunt for its meeting with Anakie at Auswide Plumbing & Civil Oval.
Jack Beardsell and Jake McLean return for the Eagles.
Winchelsea has welcomed back Ollie Mahncke and Tom Rouget for its meeting with Bell Post Hill at Myers Reserve.
They replace Blake Gardam (groin) and Josh Freeman.
More to come
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