From Maccas to the big time for Amber
THE youngest player to nominate for Wednesday night’s draft, Amber Clarke, is in the mix to be selected as one of the top few as the best young prospects prepare for a shot at the top level
The Narre Warren North product, who won’t turn 18 until December 22, is on school holidays as she waits to hear which team will select her for the upcoming August AFLW season.
When the draft is staged at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday, the teenager is hoping to go from Big Macs and bookwork to the big time.
“I work at Macca’s. (But) I took all of Wednesday off (to prepare),” Clarke said.
“It’s the first week of holidays, so I should be relaxing, but with the amount of homework I have, it’s not really like a holiday at the moment.
“I’ve got a little bit of work this week, so just trying to keep myself busy.”
Speed remains a key asset for the mid-forward, who still holds a junior Australian record in hurdles and once dreamt of going to this year’s Commonwealth Games before injury struck and football took centre stage.
With a limit on how many people the players can take to the event under lights at Docklands, Clarke considered it fairest for everyone that her four siblings watch on together from home, while her parents and two mates come along for the spectacle.
Clarke grew up as a Hawthorn supporter in Melbourne’s southeast and could end up with them, given they hold four of the top six picks in the Victorian draft. Essendon also looms large with early picks.
“It would be (amazing to go to the Hawks), but anywhere is good as well,” she said.
“I’m so excited. I know when Wednesday night comes around, I’ll be pretty nervous, but for the lead-up, I’ve just been so, so excited.”
In an unprecedented shift, the league brought the upcoming season forward from later this year to begin at the end of August, meaning 17year-olds will be eligible to play.
“(The season being brought forward) definitely was a bit of a shock, but I’ve always managed my schoolwork pretty well,” Clarke said. “I think I’ll be able to manage it really well.”