Facing the Sydney Swans at Telstra Stadium with the temperature nudging seven degrees celsius, Clarke didn't take long to warm to his task in front of more than 64,000 people.

The All Ireland minor champion managed a spectacular mark and enjoyed plenty of possession, kicking confidently after playing just 15 full games of Aussie rules.

Playing in defence, he helped restrict the Swans to 57 points, as his side, who had started the game as underdogs, enjoyed a 19-point victory.

"It was a brilliant experience just to get out there, " said Clarke afterwards, "and amazing to come away with a hard-earned victory."

"It was a bit different to some of the games at home, but it's just a fantastic feeling to be out here. Collingwood have been great to me so I just hope I can repay them."

Collingwood, Melbourne's best-supported club, have been highly impressed with 19-year-old 'Marty' since his arrival as a rookie last year.

In his column for The Australian, Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse has said that he found his first experience of coaching an Irishman "instructive and amusing".

Describing Clarke as "a real character", Malthouse reckons he's yet to see him without a footy in his hands.

Clarke's rapid rise mirrors that of Laois's Colm Begley, who was placed on the senior list of the Brisbane Lions after less than a year in Australia and is now an established member of their defence.

Unfortunately, there was no Irish representative for the Swans yesterday, with Kerryman Tadhg Kennelly currently sidelined because of a knee injury.