Clarke considers ending AFL career
Clarke has endured mixed fortunes with Collingwood, and it isunderstood that his drop in form, lack of playing time and homesickness has left him mulling over the option of returning to feature in the Mourne County colours.
The 21-year-old joined Collingwood three years ago and enjoyed a superb first season, making his first team debut in early 2007 against Sydney Swans. He maintained his good form last season making a total of 22 appearances, but has found his first-team showings limited to 12 matches this year and has primarily been featuring for the club’s second string side in the Victorian Football League.
It is unlikely that the An Ríocht man will make any decision on his future until the AFL season finishes on September 26, but if he does opt to return, it would be a major boost to Down football. The 2009 campaign saw disappointing defeat in the Ulster championship against Fermanagh and in the All-Ireland qualifiers against Wicklow. The losses brought the curtain down on Ross Carr’s tenure in charge with county board officials currently seeking a managerial replacement.
Clarke’s return would also help to soften the blow of the imminent departure of rising Down star Jamie O’Reilly, who is poised to join the Richmond Tigers as their first ever Irish recruit.
“I’ve signed a document that says if I’m going to play AFL for anybody, it will be for Richmond. I haven’t signed a contract with them yet, but there is one on the table,” O’Reilly told the Irish News last week.
“The AFL’s pre-season starts in the last week of October, so I’ve basically 10 weeks to sort things out. If I haven’t made my mind up in that time, they will know that I have no intention of going over.”
Meanwhile, Donegal youngster Sean O’Kennedy will fly out to Australia on Friday for a trial with Collingwood. Should he agree terms on a two-year rookie contract, he will become the first Donegal player to feature in AFL.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
