Tantanoola\u2019s own Angus Clarke will make his AFL debut under the brightest lights on Friday night, named in Essendon\u2019s side to face Richmond in the Dreamtime at the \u2018G blockbuster.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s AFL Draft, Clarke has quickly made his mark at AFL level.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m feeling very lucky and fortunate to be playing on the \u2018G,\u201d Clarke said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes me very thankful to my parents. I wouldn\u2019t be here without them, cutting wood in my frees at school, selling it and flying to Adelaide, driving twice a week \u2014 it\u2019s all eventually paid off.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before moving into the elite system, Clarke was a standout at Glenelg and represented South Australia in last year\u2019s National Championships. He is known for his attacking rebound play from the backline and his elite endurance, winning both of Essendon\u2019s 2km time trials over the pre-season.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s resilience has been on full display.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was crazy,\u201d Clarke said of learning he\u2019d debut.<\/p>\n
\u201cI first missed the call from Brad Scott \u2014 I was out for breakfast with a few of the boys including Mason Redman \u2014 but when I picked up, they were all peeking through the window. It was an incredible moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nicknamed \u2018Pup\u2019 around the club, Clarke joins a growing list of Bombers debuting in 2025.<\/p>\n
The Tantanoola junior will now step onto the MCG wearing the red and black in one of the AFL\u2019s most celebrated matches.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Tantanoola\u2019s own Angus Clarke will make his AFL debut under the brightest lights on Friday night, named in Essendon\u2019s side to face Richmond in the Dreamtime at the \u2018G 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 […]<\/p>\n