Former VFL defender Jackson Clark returns to Ovens and Murray club
Two-time West Preston-Lakeside premiership defender Jackson Clarke will return to his junior club in a major coup for the country power.
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Former Coburg VFL and two-time West Preston-Lakeside premiership defender Jackson Clarke is returning home.
In a major coup for Wangaratta, Clarke will suit up for the Ovens and Murray power for the first time since 2015 after a decorated stint in the Northern Football League.
The talented defender was named in the NFL Division 1 Team of the Year in each of the last three seasons and was a key member of the Roosters’ back-to-back premierships.
Arriving at JE Moore Oval alongside Ahmed Saad in 2017, the pair bookended a dominant West Preston-Lakeside team.
Clarke departs having played 75 games over four years and earning a mention in the best in 44 of those appearances.
Wangaratta is expected to battle Albury for the title next season with Clarke joining the likes of former AFL trio Ben Reid, Cal Moore and Michael Newton.
Clarke made his senior debut for the Magpies in 2013, represented Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup and spent two seasons on Coburg’s VFL list.
Wangaratta president Ellyn O’Brien said it was “fabulous” to see a player return to his roots.
However, she paid credit to Collingwood premiership star and new senior coach Reid for securing Clarke’s signature.
“Ben has laid all the groundwork for a big season ahead,” she said.
“He has spoken very highly of Jackson as a person and player. He will play a big role in helping to develop some of our younger guys.
“We’re looking forward to having him back in black and white.”
Reid has taken over as the Magpies coach from Dean Stone after playing several games in the Ovens and Murray league this season.
“He is very energetic and keen to get started,” O’Brien said.
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“He has a clear vision of what he wants to achieve with us and we’re fully supportive of the direction we are heading in.”
Clarke is the second big-name departure from the Northern Football League and second big-name arrival in the Ovens and Murray in as many days.
Reid’s Collingwood premiership teammate Brent Macaffer has left NFL Division 2 club Eltham for Tooradin Dalmore in West Gippsland.
Meanwhile, another ex-Magpie, Tim Broomhead, has joined North Albury from Mornington Peninsula outside Seaford.
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