Railways product Jordan Clark solid across half-back in first grand final but Dockers fall short against Lions

Former Albany footballer Jordan Clark has fallen agonisingly short of premiership glory after Fremantle were gunned down in the final four minutes of a pulsating AFL grand final against Brisbane.

The Dockers conceded the final four goals of the game in front of more than 100,000 people at the MCG as their dream to win a maiden AFL premiership was snatched from their grasp by a Lions side that simply never gave up.

While the Lions are celebrating a cherished flag three-peat, the result was a tough pill to swallow for the Dockers who led by 17 points with less than five minutes left in the game and produced a gallant performance on the biggest stage but have no silverware to show for it.

Clark, who played for Railways in the Great Southern Football League, was in his first AFL grand final.

The defender started his career with Geelong before moving home to WA and joining the Dockers at the end of 2021.

Lions’ Connor McKenna had the job of tagging Clark in the decider, but the 25-year-old was still a strong contributor for the Dockers.

Clark only had 14 disposals, well down on his 38 from the qualifying final loss and 25 in the semifinal win, but he still managed 424m gained and an equal game-high nine intercepts.

He also had three marks and two score involvements and had a couple of crucial moments in the final term, helping win the ball at half-back as the Lions pressed hard.

It was a heartbreaking end to the season that promised so much for the Dockers, with Clark and his teammates visibly upset in the post-match as they watched the Lions lap up more premiership success.

The Dockers arrived back at home on Sunday morning and will hold their best-and-fairest count on Saturday night.