Delisted Raphael Clarke

[Kildonan]

Pos Number Player      Age Games  Price   2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
        DT SC   Played DT Avg SC Avg Played DT Avg SC Avg Played DT Avg SC Avg Played DT Avg SC Avg Played DT Avg SC Avg
DEF  8 CLARKE, Raphael 26 89 $250,100 $346,900 16 52.2 57.0 8 64.3 68.0    13 56.9 65.3 8 62.6 68.6 8 49.9 53.6

 

[Murraj1966]

I don't like to knock Saints players, but really this is Raph's time to kick into gear, Jimmy Gwilt has stepped up it would seem, and I hope Raph can get past his... sketchy performances in the past. I'd just like to not be scared when he gets the ball anymore!

(Yes I know I've been highly critical of Raph in the past but that was because of the Grand Final, so don't bother pointing that out )

 

[ChrisFooty]

I must say, I much prefer having Peake and Gwilt in the side ahead of Raph Clarke.

You would think with a few good VFL performances Raph will get his chance. Maybe a go up forward? He is not a very good kick for goal unfortunately.

 

[SaintsSeptember]

As it stands he will only get a callup if one of the others is injured or has a serious drop in form.

 

[Squizz]

As it stands he will only get a callup if one of the others is injured or has a serious drop in form.

You might get a rude shock when this week's team comes out, SS!

 

[SaintsSeptember]

You might get a rude shock when this week's team comes out, SS!

I might. Your recent form does suggest that you are becoming more omnipresent and allknowing by the minute.

If he does come in for Riewoldt he will be under the pump.
Someone WILL be going out for Kosi the week after.

 

[Squizz]

http://www.saints.com.au/season2010/news/newsarticle/tabid/5315/newsid/98735/default.aspx

Speaking exclusively to saints.com.au, Raph said his recovery process is taking some time but he is almost at full fitness once again.

Working closely with St Kilda’s Elite Performance Manager, David Misson, Raph explained the process they have been going through to rebuild his injured hamstring and hopefully strengthen it to prevent further problems.

Learning to handle the pressure of a defensive player, Raph said he has been working on a number of elements with the coaching staff to ensure he remains prepared down back.

 

[John Bonney]

Will not play again this year,why don't the club just come clean on player injury status...childish and pointless subterfuge.

 

[stkildathunda]

Re: 2011 Player Reviews

RAPH CLARKE

Raph spent yet another season as the whipping boy of Saints fans when things weren't going right. Talented yet enigmatic, his best saw the fans sing his praises loudly, his worst sent talkback radio into a spin about his lack of worth to the side.

His best? A 11 possession first quarter v Adelaide that set the springboard for a 103 pt win and a 21 disposal game in Round 24 v Carlton that must have had him perilously close to Brownlow votes. The frustration that is Raph however surfaced the very next week though when he was poor in a poor team performance in our only final.

Raphs courage and commitment cannot be questioned, and his willingness to break the lines was important with the loss of Jimmy Gwilt.

2011 STATS
Games: 17
Kicks: 121
Marks: 69
Handballs: 101
Tackles: 31
Goals: 3

Will be interesting to see Raph's role under Scott Watters. Perhaps a try across half forward might invigorate him? Many sides have successfully transformed forwards into classy running defenders. Has anyone tried the opposite?

 

[Murraj1966]

I don't like to knock Saints players, but really this is Raph's time to kick into gear, Jimmy Gwilt has stepped up it would seem, and I hope Raph can get past his... sketchy performances in the past. I'd just like to not be scared when he gets the ball anymore!

(Yes I know I've been highly critical of Raph in the past but that was because of the Grand Final, so don't bother pointing that out )

Well younger me, he didn't.

Put a fork in him.

 

[HoldenMCaulfield]

what a strange post following his very good performance...

 

[Murraj1966]

At the time of the game he looked like he'd done nothing and had punched the ball backwards for a goal against. In all fairness he did pick up towards the end of the game however I still think he doesn't have a spot in the team going forward when there'll be more youth coming through that will be around for the next shot at a flag.

 

[SaintsSeptember]

At the time of the game he looked like he'd done nothing and had punched the ball backwards for a goal against. In all fairness he did pick up towards the end of the game however I still think he doesn't have a spot in the team going forward when there'll be more youth coming through that will be around for the next shot at a flag.

Some of the stuff he did was good, but a loose man in defense getting 13 disposals is .... average.
So he's average on a good day.

 

[borderbarry]

The anti Raph vitriol continues...
I personally believe that Gwilt should be dropped and allowed to gain his match fitness and form with Sandy. Clarke was much better than Gwilt in both games he played, yet there is no cry to out Gwilt. Why is that?

 

[saintz12]

Raphael is a VFL specialist, i witnessed this first hand the other week, looks completely different as sandy than when at st kilda, but thats where he belongs and shall stay, unless the saints are smashed through injuries. Not good enough to make it in AFL, decision making and awareness is very important in AFL and he lacks them both.

 

[Murraj1966]

He seems a bit on the outer, I wonder if he'll retain his spot come list management time. And if he doesn't I wonder if Ross Lyon will pick him up, he always loved him.

 

[saintz12]

haha very good call, Ross Lyon will try pick him up if he is delisted from the saints

 

[Squizz]

Raph Clarke #8

Raph played 17 games in 2011, including a standout game in the final home and away match, and earned a further contract despite a knee injury which affected his pre-season.

He then suffered a bad hamstring injury just before the NAB Cup, and his first 2012 game was in the VFL on the 13th May - a game also notable for Scott Watters entering the rooms at half time to give the players an absolute bake. Raph played well that day and was in the best the next 3 games as well.

He was “dropped” to the Development League with the senior team having a bye, and dominated with a clear best-on-ground performance - earning a spot in the AFL team for round 11.

Raph played 3 games but, despite a solid game against North (4 rebound 50s, 4 tackles, 4 1%ers), he was omitted (5 changes in total, including 2 injuries and BJ’s tanty/suspension) after a disastrous match - a crucial loss and substantial dent to our chances of making finals.

He returned to the VFL and played 7 games, including a strong performance against Frankston (a wet and windy day where most players struggled with the weather, noting Raph has had many good games in these conditions throughout his career).

Raph averaged 19.4 possessions and 6.3 marks in his 9 senior VFL games, and despite the limited number of games finished 10th in the B&F.

He finished with 85 games for the Saints across 9 seasons - a career filled with courage, but cruelled by injuries and affected by epilepsy - and the odd blooper which was deeply ingrained into the minds of some.