Former Sydney Swan Ryan Clarke signs with MPFNL club Sorrento

Sorrento has made one of the signings of the local footy off-season, securing an ex-AFL Kangaroo and Swan.

Sydney’s Lance Franklin in his 350th AFL match celebrates kicking a goal with Ryan Clarke. Picture: Phil Hillyard

As kids, Ryan and Dylan Clarke were close to inseparable; best mates.

Born just 15 months apart, the brothers often played for the same football teams in the same age groups.

AFL careers saw them go to different clubs — Ryan to North Melbourne and then Sydney, and Dylan to Essendon — bringing a halt to their days as teammates.

But they are set to reunite once again in 2025, at Sorrento in the Mornington Peninsula league.

Ryan has signed with the Sharks, joining Dylan, who won Sorrento’s best and fairest this year.

Ryan, who played 97 AFL games, will add “explosiveness’’ to the Sharks midfield, according to coach James Hallahan.

“Ryan is a bit of a different style of player to Dyl,’’ Hallahan said.

“Dyl is very much an inside player. Ryan has a bit more explosiveness but they will complement each other well.

“They are a very similar size. Ryan is quite an attacking player and that’s coming form Dyl. He’s told me about him.

“The Clarke brothers can just feed it to each other. Hopefully it works as planned.’’

Sydney's Ryan Clarke. Pic: Phil Hillyard

Dylan Clarke of the Bombers. Pic: Michael Klein

Most excited by the Clarke brothers playing together are their parents.

“The last 10 years they’ve been travelling all around the country trying to watch them,’’ Hallahan said.

“To have them both at the one club is exciting for the family.’’

Ryan, 27, played 40 games at North Melbourne and 57 at Sydney Swans.

Younger brother Dylan, 26, played 24 games at Essendon.

Meanwhile, Sorrento hopes to make another signing in the coming weeks.

“We can fit one more in,’’ Hallahan said.

“We are screaming out for a key forward.

“We are waiting for answers from a couple more. We’ve had the conversations we need to now we need the pieces to fall into place.’’

Sorrento players have been training already at an optional Wednesday session.

“We’re getting good numbers which I can’t believe,’’ Hallahan said.

“So the boys are keen and we’ll kick off mid November so it’s full stem ahead to that.’’