Essendon’s Angus Clarke on his journey from SA country town Tantanoola to his stunning AFL debut for the Bombers

He was once a woodchopper with a dream. Now, footy’s newest sensation shares his journey from a small SA country town to the bright lights of the MCG. Watch his hilarious post-match interview.

It’s a long way from Tantanoola to Adelaide (about 413km to be exact) – and it’s even further to the bright lights of the MCG.

But Essendon’s Angus Clarke – who hails from the tiny country farming town in the state’s southeast, 30 minutes from Mount Gambier – looked right at home on Friday night.

A second cousin of Adelaide AFLW coach Matthew Clarke, the 18-year-old played a starring role on debut for the Bombers, booting three goals from 16 disposals as Essendon defeated Richmond in the Dreamtime clash at the ‘G.

Clarke became as instant fan favourite, winning over supporters around the country with his post-match interviews in the rooms. He was flanked by his family, including father Stuart, and “half of Tantanoola”, who had come to watch his first game.

“I come from a very, very small town, to the big smoke of Melbourne on the MCG … I’ve never seen a crowd like it,” Clarke told Channel 7.

“There’s usually only about 600 people at the local footy, so it’s a bit different.

“I was shaking that badly. (But) I was really looking forward to it, it’s been a long time coming.”

Angus Clarke with his family ahead of debut for Essendon against Richmond at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Picture: by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Clarke celebrates his third goal. Picture: Michael Klein

Angus Clarke with Zach Merrett after the Bombers’ win. Picture: by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

His dad Stuart said he was “having kittens” watching his son play first AFL game, but he couldn’t have been prouder.

“I didn’t believe it to begin with. We couldn’t have expected it’d be this good,” said Stuart, who is Matthew Clarke’s cousin.

“It’s been a journey. We’re 450km away (from Adelaide).”

Mother Michelle said she was stunned by her son’s performance.

“We’re so proud of Angus and what he’s achieved. He did so much better than what we thought he’d do. He was amazing,” she said.

Clarke grew up on the family’s dairy farm, and worked as a woodchopper to help fund his AFL dream. His dad said he was “crutching sheep” the day he was drafted by Essendon with pick 39 in the 2024 draft.

Last year, the teenager would make nine-hour round trips to Adelaide by car, or fly from Mount Gambier, to play matches for SA and Glenelg.

“I’m forever grateful for my parents for what they’ve done for me and the money they’ve put into it,” Clarke said, adding that he would also stay in Adelaide with cousin Matthew and his wife, media personality Ali Clarke.

Clarke during his time with Glenelg. Picture: Cory Sutton

Clarke with family and friends in the rooms after the game. Picture: James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It was a tough road but the rising star said he wants to show young kids from small country towns that anything is possible – if you put in the hard work.

“That’s the biggest thing I want to bring to the AFL and promote to the country kids,” he told Fox Footy.

“Living out my dream and inspiring the young kids from back home, the ones that live far away, that the dream is possible, no matter where you live.

“I haven’t changed as a country kid. I’ve brought the country values, I haven’t changed one bit.”

Originally published as Essendon’s Angus Clarke on his journey from SA country town Tantanoola to his stunning AFL debut for the Bombers