Geelong Advertiser |
ST ALBANS has been dealt a blow on the dawn of a new season, losing former St Kilda player Raph Clarke.
Coach Clinton Proctor has confirmed the club has approved the clearance of Clarke after one year at the Supersaints.
Clarke has requested a clearance to join Victorian Amateur Football Association club Beaumaris.
Proctor made the announcement at a club luncheon on Saturday afternoon ahead of his side’s Round 1 clash with Geelong West-St Peter’s.
“Obviously the club is disappointed to lose a player of Raph’s caliber and experience,” Protcor told the Geelong Advertiser.
“Anytime you lose a key senior player it is disappointing, especially when they’re a former AFL player.”
Proctor said Clarke’s decision to leave the club was due to his desire to play in Melbourne, which is where he lives and works.
“I understand that, as I am based in Melbourne myself,” he said.
“To be based in Melbourne and play or coach in Geelong does require a lot of travelling and it takes up a lot of time. So it can take it out of you.”
While visibly disappointed to lose the club’s prized recruit from 2013, Proctor said he had no doubt Clarke has had a huge impact on the club.
Clarke led the way on the field as a player in 2013, but also acted a leader and an unofficial assistant coach to Proctor.
The former St Kilda defender spent plenty of time working with the club’s younger players in a mentoring role.
“We would have loved to have Raph again this season, but there is no doubt his time with the club has been invaluable,” Proctor said.
“Both the club and the playing group have benefited in a big way.
“Raph has been great for our football club and it is no doubt a better place for having had him here.”
The St Albans coach praised Clarke’s handling of the situation.
“During the whole process Raph has been nothing but open and professional with the club,” he said.
“And or that reason we part ways on very good terms and there are no ill feelings towards Raph and we wish him all the best for the future.”
