Clarke retires from AFL

Adelaide ruckman Matthew Clarke today announced his retirement from the AFL.

Clarke, 33, played 18 AFL games this year for a total of 248. His total includes 130 games at Brisbane, where he won the best-and fairest in 1997 after finishing runner-up in 1994 and 1996. He won Adelaide’s best team man award in 1994.

Clarke also played four State-of-Origin games for South Australia.

Originally from Mt Gambier, Clarke returned to SA at the end of 1999 when the Crows traded their first pick (No 6) in the national draft to Brisbane.

Clarke today thanked both of his AFL clubs.

“Both experiences were overwhelmingly positive and I’m just really thankful for the opportunities I’ve been afforded and for all the great people I have met and worked with over that time,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”

Adelaide coach Neil Craig said Clarke could be proud of his efforts at the club.

“I think the real key thing here is the way Matthew has finished,” Craig said. “I saw it with Mark Bickley - he finished playing outstanding AFL football - and Matthew has done exactly the same.”

Crows chief executive officer Steven Trigg also praised Clarke’s contribution.

“He has given the club outstanding service,” Trigg said. “It’s a somewhat poignant day for us when one of your great servants decides to retire and Matthew has been a helluva good bloke at the same time.”