Australian Football

AustralianFootball.com Celebrating the history of the great Australian game

 

Key Facts

Full name
Harold Clarke

Known as
Harry Clarke

Born
15 September 1905

Died
21 February 1989 (aged 83)

Age at first & last AFL game
First game: 20y 228d
Last game: 30y 20d

Height and weight
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 69 kg

Senior clubs
South Melbourne

Jumper numbers
South Melbourne: 33, 6

Harry Clarke

Advanced stats
ClubLeagueCareer spanGamesGoalsAvgWin %AKIAHBAMKBV
South MelbourneV/AFL1926-1935147330.2255%14.79—2.6327
Total1926-1935147330.2255%14.79—2.6327

Pre 1965 stats are for selected matches only

AFL: 3,121st player to appear, 1,362nd most games played, 2,759th most goals kickedSouth Melbourne: 387th player to appear, 76th most games played, 229th most goals kicked

One of the best wingmen and indeed players of his generation, Harry Clarke was already a stalwart at South Melbourne when the club embarked on the extensive interstate recruiting campaign that gave rise to the most concerted spell of success it was to enjoy in the 20th century. When the Blood-Stained Angels, as they were known, broke through for a premiership in 1933, Clarke was not only one of the best players afield in the Grand Final, but later won the club's best and fairest award as well.

Harry Clarke played a total of 147 games for South between 1926 and 1935. In his very last game, the 1935 Grand Final, he was close to best afield, but could not prevent his team from losing to Collingwood. Clarke was also a regular 'Big V' representative, making 11 interstate appearances. Clarke's importance in the history of the Sydney (formerly South Melbourne) Football Club was formally recognised in August 2003 when he was selected in the Swans' official 'Team ofthe Century'.

Author - John Devaney

Sources

Full Points Footy Publications

Related Articles

Footnotes

* Behinds calculated from the 1965 season on.
+ Score at the end of extra time.