Ed Clarke

Ed Clarke (born June 11, 1986) is a professional Australian rules footballer. While he was rookie listed with the Sydney Swans AFL club, Clarke is best known for his playing career at the Wangaratta O&MFL club, where he has been an insperation, leading them to a grandfinal win in 2007, over the North Albury Hoppers, and in the process was awarded best on-ground.

Nicknamed "Clarkey" (AKA "Eddie Clarke") by friends, football fans and the media, "Eddie" was a prominent young Tennis player in the Northern Beaches area of sydney. Although a native Victorian from Richmond, Clarke moved with his family to Lane Cove in 1996. At the time, he had a sole condition: that he was able to play Aussie Rules in Sydney. He found a local club in Willoughby, where he played through the junior ranks alongside Lewis Roberts-Thomson. He captained the Redbacks U16 team, then went to play for the Rams in 2003 and 2004.

The long-time Demons supporter, who spent the first decade of his life living less than 2km from the M.C.G., kicked eight goals in three games at the National Under-18 competition, including six goals and 26 possessions in the second-division final, a best-on-ground performance. He was later selected as vice-captain of the Allies U18 team, and in that match boasted 32 disposals and two goals, outshining Richard Tambling to earn yet another best-on-ground.

Grand Final
In 2007, Ed Clarke led the Wangaratta Magpies to their first grand final win, in 30 years. Following an intense physio routine, Clarke was able to make a sucessfull return for the Magpies. Guided by Clarke, the strength of the Magpies' mid-fielders upped the pressure on the Hoppers' back line, while up forward North Albury struggled for accuracy. Wangaratta's strength spurred the team on to a 51 point victory. Clarke's best on-ground performance was a fitting end to a tough season for the mid-fielder.

Controversies
Grand Final Rematch 2008
Following the Grand Final remach against North Albury, Clarke was charged with and found guilty of striking North Albury midfielder Brandon Ryan in the fourth quarter of the clash that the Magpies won by 60 points. Clarke was the third player from Wangaratta and the fifth in total to be suspended after the investigation into the match. Clarke received a two match ban, his club was fined $2000 and most importantly it rendered Clarke ineligable for the O&MFL's best and fairest medal.

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