Big Macs to the big time
“WOULD you like an AFL Women’s contract with that?”
As all roads lead to Wednesday’s AFLW draft, the youngest player to nominate for the draft sits firmly in the mix as one of the best prospects.
Narre Warren North product Amber Clarke, 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 teenage star is hoping to go from Big Macs and bookwork to the big time.
It will be a juggle if she is given a chance at AFLW level following a blistering season with Dandenong Stingrays, with the 17-year-old affording herself a slight break from commitments that include hitting the schoolbooks and her part-time job as she awaits her fate.
“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,” Clarke said.
“I’ve got a little bit of work this week, so just trying to keep myself busy. I work at Macca’s. (But) I took all of Wednesday off (to prepare).”
The former athlete still holds a junior Australian record in hurdles after a promising junior career and speed remains a key asset for the mid-forward.
With a limit on how many people players can take along to the event under lights at Docklands, Clarke decided her four siblings would watch together from home while her parents and two mates come along for the ride.
Clarke grew up as a Hawthorn supporter and the Hawks hold four of the top six picks in the Victorian draft. Essendon also has 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 to begin at the end of August, meaning 17year-olds like Clarke will be eligible to play, with rules in place to support players as they balance football and their final exams.
“(The season being brought forward) definitely was a bit of a shock, but I’ve always managed my schoolwork pretty well,” Clarke said.
“Even with extra training and stuff, I think I’ll be able to manage it really well.”