Matthew Clarke

Recognised as one of the best tap ruckmen of his time, Clarke returned to West Lakes to lend his experience after representing the Crows in 118 games and four finals series. A journeyman as a player, Clarke was first drafted and delisted by Richmond without playing a senior game, before making his AFL debut with the Brisbane Bears as a lanky 19-year-old in 1993. After 130 games, a Best and Fairest and two runners-up placings, Clarke was picked up by Adelaide ahead of the 2000 season before winding up his career at St Kilda in 2007. An intelligent man on and off the field, coaching came as a natural evolution for Clarke and he has served as the Club's Ruck Coach since 2008.

Fast facts
Nickname: Doc, Clarkey
DOB: 18/9/73
Playing career: 258 games (Brisbane 130, Adelaide 118, St Kilda 10)
Playing awards: Merrett-Murray Medal for Brisbane's Best and Fairest 1997, AFL Rising Star nominee 1994, Led AFL for total hit-outs in 1996 & 2003
Coaching career: Assistant Coach at Adelaide 2008 – current, AFLW Head Coach at Adelaide 2018 - current.

Did you know …? Clarke is a qualified veterinarian.