Matthew 'Doc' Clarke (1993 - 1999)

[Grimreepah]

Pick 43 in the 1992 Pre-Season Draft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_AFL_Draft)

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/631/matthewclarke.jpg

Merrett-Murray Medal results:

1997: 1st (90 votes)
1998: 14th (18 votes)
1999: 20th (22 votes)

[Grimreepah]

Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Clarke_%28Australian_rules_footballer%29)

Clarke was drafted by the Richmond Football Club from Mount Gambier in 1991 but did not play a senior game, spending the year playing for the Richmond Under 19s'. He was delisted at the end of 1992, but was picked up by the Brisbane Bears at pick 43 in the 1992 pre-season draft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_AFL_Draft).

Debuting in 1993 with the Bears, "Doc" Clarke was a promising young Ruckman under coach Robert Walls and was particularly decisive with his tap work.

After being runner up in the Brisbane Bears Club Champion award in 1994 and 1996, he took out the Merrett-Murray Best & Fairest award in 1997 for the Brisbane Lions and consolidated his position as one of the league's best ruckmen.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4678/matthewclarke2.jpg

Career statistics (http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/players/M/Matthew_Clarke.html)

[Grimreepah]

Brisbane Lions first ever team (1997) (http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/53904/default.aspx):

B: Ben Robbins Richard Champion Danny Dickfos
HB: Michael McLean Jarrod Molloy Andrew Gowers
C: Matthew Kennedy Adrian Fletcher Nigel Lappin
HF: Scott McIvor Dion Scott Michael Voss (c)
F: Darryl White Alastair Lynch (c) Chris Johnson
R: Matthew Clarke Marcus Ashcroft Shaun Hart
I/C: Justin Leppitsch Clark Keating Tristan Lynch

Emer: Nathan Chapman Simon Hawking
Scott Bamford Shane Clayton

[Grimreepah]

Clarke retires from AFL (http://sportsaustralia.com/articles/sep06/artid6540.html)
Thursday September 28, 2006

Originally from Mt Gambier, Clarke returned to SA at the end of 1999 when the Crows traded their first pick (No 6) in the national draft to Brisbane. Clarke today thanked both of his AFL clubs.
“Both experiences were overwhelmingly positive and I’m just really thankful for the opportunities I’ve been afforded and for all the great people I have met and worked with over that time,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/631/matthewclarke.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Questionnaire (http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/4213/default.aspx)

What part of your game do you want to improve this year: Post-goal celebrations

Proudest moment in football: Playing in the first finals match with the Brisbane Bears

My mates say I look like: A pelican

Your first job: Check-out chick at Woolies

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/5245/matthewclarke4.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Clarke calls for rethink of centre circle (http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/clarke-calls-for-rethink-of-centre-circle/story-e6frecj3-1226114456503)

by: Jesper Fjeldstad
From: Sunday Mail (SA)
August 13, 2011 11:49PM

"Make it an extra metre bigger or remove it altogether," Clarke said. "It (the rule) has probably had the impact they wanted in reducing the amount of PCLs (posterior cruciate ligament injuries) but I don't see it as adding to the spectacle game in any way, shape or form.

"When I started, you came from as far back as you wanted. In some respect, the circle adds more to the technical aspect and the strategy ... and I don't think they'll change it any time soon.

"I guess I was fortunate; I only had minor things that kept me out for a few weeks. But it was a part of the game that I really enjoyed - and I think it's a shame that we've lost that.

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/4158/matthewclarke5.jpg