Martin Clarke

D.O.B:    
13 November 1987 
Club:    
Collingwood
Honours:    
2006 NAB AFL Rookie Draft Pick No. 40
2007 NAB AFL Rising Star Nomination 

Originally from County Down in Ireland, Martin is another of the Irishman to try his hand at AFL after excelling playing Gaelic football. He is an extremely athletic midfielder who began his AFL football training with the Magpies in the 2007 pre-season. His athleticism and ability to run with the ball out of the midfield was quickly noticed by the coaching staff at Collingwood and as a result was elevated to the senior list in the middle of the 2007 season.

When given the chance to debut at the elite level in Round 12 2007 against Sydney, Martin was sensational. He had an impressive 20 disposals which is a great return from a young man who played just 10 games of Australian football before his debut in the big time.

He continued his extraordinary rise into AFL football with another brilliant performance in Round 13, where the Collingwood fans got to see another aspect of Martins game; his ability to be very creative in front of goal. His exceptional performance against the Hawks saw Martin receive a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination and was described as “remarkable” by his coach Mick Malthouse. Martin’s first year was topped off with 3 finals appearances for the Pies, in games that saw the youngster once again impress the football world alike.

He is undoubtedly a talented young man who has been able to adapt his Gaelic football skills to the Australian game in less than 12 months. Quite a marvellous effort for a 19 year old, who the Magpie fans along with the coaching staff, will be building their hopes around in the next few years.