Dylan Clarke (born 6 September 1998) is a former professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is the younger brother of Sydney's Ryan Clarke.[1] He was educated at St Joseph's College, Ferntree Gully and Melbourne Grammar School.

Dylan Clarke
Personal information
Date of birth (1998-09-06) 6 September 1998 (age 25)
Original team(s) Eastern Ranges (TAC Cup)
Draft No. 63, 2016 national draft
Height 187 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight 87 kg (192 lb)
Position(s) Midfielder
Club information
Current club Essendon
Number 37
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2018-2021 Essendon 24 (6)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of round 23, 2021.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Clarke was recruited with pick 63 in the 2016 national draft.[2] He made his senior debut against the Geelong Cats in round 9 of the 2018 AFL season.[3]

He was called up for his second game in Round 11, 2019. Clarke lined up on Carlton captain and Brownlow Medal favorite Patrick Cripps, and kept him to the quietest game of his entire career, as one of the best players on the ground.

He played in Essendon's next game in Round 13 against Hawthorn, once more playing a tagging role, holding Hawthorn star Jager O'Meara to 14 disposals to three quarter time and 23 for the match, while gathering 23 possessions himself. He was again one of the best players on the ground, and was recognized with the NAB Rising Star nomination for round 13.

Clarke was delisted by the Bombers at the end of 2021.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ Landsberger, Sam (20 December 2016), "Desire and work ethic takes Dylan Clarke on to Essendon's list", Herald Sun
  2. ^ Quayle, Emma (25 November 2016), "AFL draft 2016: Bombers see a bit of Wanganeen in top pick Andy McGrath", The Age
  3. ^ Walsh, Conor (20 May 2018), "Clarke's level head", Essendon Football Club
  4. ^ https://www.afl.com.au/news/686417/essendon-bombers-delist-hard-running-mid-dylan-clarke-ssp-door-left-open

External links edit