Tantanoola teen to debut in Dreamtime at the ‘G

Tantanoola’s own Angus Clarke will make his AFL debut under the brightest lights on Friday night, named in Essendon’s side to face Richmond in the Dreamtime at the ‘G blockbuster.

The 18-year-old Limestone Coast product becomes the sixth Bomber to debut in 2025 and has earned his opportunity through grit, hard work, and strong VFL form. Selected with pick No.39 in last year’s AFL Draft, Clarke has quickly made his mark at AFL level.

“I’m feeling very lucky and fortunate to be playing on the ‘G,” Clarke said.

“It makes me very thankful to my parents. I wouldn’t be here without them, cutting wood in my frees at school, selling it and flying to Adelaide, driving twice a week — it’s all eventually paid off.”

Before moving into the elite system, Clarke was a standout at Glenelg and represented South Australia in last year’s National Championships. He is known for his attacking rebound play from the backline and his elite endurance, winning both of Essendon’s 2km time trials over the pre-season.

His VFL form has backed it up, averaging 18 disposals in three full games. While a broken collarbone set him back earlier this year, Clarke’s resilience has been on full display.

“It was crazy,” Clarke said of learning he’d debut.

“I first missed the call from Brad Scott — I was out for breakfast with a few of the boys including Mason Redman — but when I picked up, they were all peeking through the window. It was an incredible moment.”

Nicknamed ‘Pup’ around the club, Clarke joins a growing list of Bombers debuting in 2025.

The Tantanoola junior will now step onto the MCG wearing the red and black in one of the AFL’s most celebrated matches.