Clark pens one-year extension

QUEENSCLIFF’S Steve Clark (above) is set to become the Bellarine’s longest-serving coach next year.

Clark has signed a one-year contract extension, taking his second stint at the Hesse Street venue into a third season.

He is set to break Michael Sproule’s BFL record of 178 games in Round 15 next year.

Clark also led Queenscliff from 2000 to 2006 before coaching GFL clubs St Albans and Leopold, who he led to the drought-breaking 2016 flag.

“We’re very pleased and excited that both Steve and (reserves coach) Kent (Hannam) have resigned with the club,” Queenscliff president Rowan Martin.

“Hopefully, given the interruptions of this year, and last year we obviously had a very bad run of injuries, both of them haven’t really had a chance to have a full playing group from which to run with.”

Martin said it was an “extraordinary” effort for Clark to break Sproule’s mark.

“I suppose it’s an indication of the quality of the individual,” he said.

“Steve’s quite a remarkable person, not only from dealing with the senior playing group … but what we have experienced in observing the way he handles the juniors.

“He puts a lot of investment, time and effort into the junior playing group as well knowing one day they will progress and become the senior playing group.

“He’s a true club person in every sense of the word and I think if he does achieve that next year … it’s very fitting (for) a bloke of his character and background.”

Martin said the club would now turn its attention to resigning its playing group.

The club said in a social media statement: “Steve’s reappointment reflects the confidence our club has in his ability to deliver success on the field but also acknowledges the positive influence that he has on the development of our junior footballers as well.”