Sydney Swans recruit Ryan Clarke addressed the media on day one of pre-season training at Bat and Ball Oval on Monday.

Former North Melbourne youngster Clarke was one of two players to become a Swan in last month’s trade period, joining ex-Cat Jackson Thurlow in a move to Sydney.

First- to fifth-year players have returned to the Club and the rest are scheduled to jump on board later in November.

Here are some key quotes from Clarke’s press conference.

Excited to don the red and white

“I’m really excited to come up here. It was a big move. I’ve always been a Melbourne boy so the move was pretty big, but it was just the best option for myself and my football. I didn’t really look too far. It was getting to the end of the season and Sydney were the most keen, so I was more than happy to go with them. I was pretty stoked and I haven’t looked back.”

Eyeing the midfield

“Throughout my whole juniors I played predominantly in the midfield – both inside and outside. To be honest I’ve come up here with an open mind, so I’ll play wherever they want me to. I’d like to play up through the guts a bit more, but I’d also like to play off half-back.”

Joining Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker

“There are some superstars in the Swans’ midfield. The older guys start back in about two weeks and I’m going to try to soak up as much information as I can. I worked with some really good midfielders at North Melbourne in Shaun Higgins and Ben Cunnington. And I’m also looking forward to adding a couple of strings to my bow and working with Kennedy and Parker and the rest.”

AFL experience

“The more games you play the more comfortable you feel in the AFL. I’m going to take my last three years into next year and hopefully progressively get better. I’m going into pre-season with the knowledge that I’ve played a few games and know a bit about it, which helps my confidence.”