CLARKE LIVING A DREAM AS SHE HEADS TO LIONS
GOLD Coast Suns academy player Arianna Clarke will potentially realise a childhood dream at today’s AFLW draft.
Clarke is one of the most highly touted Queenslanders entered for the AFLW draft, to be held in Melbourne.
The 18-year-old fullback grew up dreaming of playing Australian rules professionally and is now eyeing a spot on the Brisbane Lions list.
“My childhood dream and life goal is to become a professional AFL player and enjoy a solid career in the game,” Clarke said.
“At this stage, being drafted into the 2018 women’s league and playing for the Brisbane Lions AFLW team are my biggest goals.”
Clarke has a stacked resume that will have most AFLW clubs keeping a close on her at the draft.
The Robina State High School school captain is an under-18 All-Australian, captain of the women’s Rising Star national academy, the QWAFL’s rising star and winner of the QWAFL Harry Gordon medal.
Brisbane, last year’s grand finalists, hold picks 7, 15, 23, 31, 37, 41, 45 and 48.
“My love for AFL developed from a very young age, competing against boys in under 10s when I was eight until I reached under 14s when I was 13,” Clarke said.
“I particularly enjoy the physicality, competitiveness and awareness that’s needed.
“By nature I’m a leader, so I enjoy being able to lead and guide teammates in order to reach a common goal; to win and enjoy the game.”
Clarke and Melbournebased Edward Delany have been named as the inaugural recipients of Bond University’s AFL excellence scholarships. The scholarships have been developed in partnership with the Riewoldt family, who have a large standing in the game through Gold Coast product and St Kilda legend Nick.