St Mary’s star Raphael Clarke: ‘I didn’t think 150 NTFL games were possible after my AFL career’

St Mary’s legend Raphael Clarke has overcome many obstacles in his brilliant career, but even he did not think playing 150 NTFL games was possible.

Former St Mary’s captain Raphael Clarke has overcome many obstacles in his brilliant career, but even he did not think playing 150 NTFL games was possible.

However, he will achieve that highly commendable milestone for the Green Machine against Wanderers at Tracy Village in round 2 action on Saturday.

“I didn’t think I’d achieve it, especially after I got drafted in 2003 and I came back up to the NTFL nine years ago,” he said.

“I came back and I didn’t really look at any game tallies – I was just happy to be back playing with my mates.”

And what a journey it’s been for the evergreen 36-year-old, who produced a remarkable performance in his side’s epic 2020-21 grand final loss to Nightcliff, finishing with the Chaney Medal in a beaten side.

The secret to Clarke’s longevity has been plain hard work.

St Mary’s legend Raphael Clarke will play his 150th NTFL game on Saturday. Picture: Daniel Hartley-Allen

“I’ve won five NTFL flags and it’s a big thing to win one senior flag. I was lucky enough to win one as a 17-year-old before I left for Melbourne,” he said.

“I’m not sure if there’s any secret to it.

“But preparation is key – if you don’t work hard, especially leading into a season, you’ll just go backwards.”

After coming back to St Mary’s following his 85 games with St Kilda from 2004 to 2012, there is no doubt that Clarke has re-invented himself as one of the most athletic and composed defenders in the NTFL.

“I had some soft tissue and hamstring issues in the AFL, and I went from 70kg to trying to bulk up and be a bigger player,” he said.

“It was hard for me when I was 20kg heavier. But the past four or five years I’ve been around the 84 or 85kg mark and enjoying playing up the back of the field.”

St Mary’s stars Raphael Clarke and Jackson Geary celebrate winning the 2015-16 NTFL flag. Picture: Elise Derwin

Make no mistake, Clarke is still driven to add a sixth flag to his glittering trophy cabinet.

And he liked what he saw from his mainly young teammates in their impressive 12-point win over Nightcliff last Saturday night, which Clarke missed due to suspension.

“When you reach my age you start to think ‘where is the next lot of kids coming from’, but as a club we’re looking really good there. We’ve had really successful under-18 sides over the past two seasons under Robbie Hale,” Clarke said.

“Isaiah Baldock is a younger player who has really led the way with his running and attitude at training. So when it comes to the end of my career I’ll be happy to step aside.” Clarke said last season’s Saints co-captain Shannon Rioli (back) was a “week or two away”.

Meanwhile, the inspirational defender has been delighted with new skipper Nathaniel Paredes’ leadership.

“(Paredes) has been an unbelievable addition as captain. He’s so humble and quiet, but leads by example,” Clarke said.

“He showed it on the weekend.”

NIGHTCLIFF AND WARATAH EYE THE GOLDEN SHOVEL

It’s a rivalry that can be traced back to the 1973-74 NTFL Grand Final and on Saturday night at Darwin Mazda Nightcliff Oval the Nightcliff-Waratah war will continue.

Now tagged the “Battle of the Beaches” after the close vicinity of surf and sand to both clubs’ home ground, bragging rights on who will get their hands around the golden shovel are up for grabs this week.

Reigning premiers Nightcliff are yet to break their 2021-22 duck.

That was after a thrilling 12-point loss to arch rivals St Mary’s last week.

And it won’t get any easier against Waratah.

The Warriors looked impressive when disposing of Palmerston in their first outing of the new season, prevailing by 72 points.

Nightcliff’s skipper Phillip Wills is 100 per cent fit and ready to go in a Tigers’ line-up that will be without key forward John Butcher this week, who kicked four goals in round 1. “We want to start the season well and while it was unfortunate we lost last week, it’s important we learn from games like that,” Wills said.

“Every game we’ve played against Waratah in the last few years has been close and hard, so that’s what we’re looking forward to this weekend.”

Waratah forward Jae McGrath said this season’s red- and-whites are “ready to have a crack” after making the finals last season.

“All the boys have had a big week on the track and had a bit of a kick around on Friday night (Palmerston win) so we’re looking forward to the contest,” he said.

In more good news for Waratah, the club has formed a new partnership with the nearby Mindil Beach Casino Resort in what club president Rohan Langworthy was a proud moment in the club’s 105-year history.