Clarence stalwart Jarrod Harper will clock up his 200th senior game against arch-rival Glenorchy on Saturday

Jarrod Harper always wanted to be a Clarence player and now he’s one of the best. The gun onballer reveals why he is uneasy being among a who’s who of the Roos.

Jarrod Harper, of Clarence, will reach the 200-game milestone this weekend. Picture James Bresnehan

When Jarrod Harper pulled on a Clarence jumper for the first time aged 16, he joined a long line of family members to play for the Tasmanian football powerhouse.

Now 28, Harper is about to become only the 10th player in the club’s 79-year history to reach the 200 senior game milestone — 146 games more than his dad David, who was also a handy Roo.

For a Clarence player, there is no better team to play a big match against than Glenorchy, at Ninja Stadium on Saturday at 1.30pm.

“They’re our traditional rival and we always get up and about for them,” Harper said.

“Both teams will be trying very hard to win the game, and we’ll be trying to get bragging rights.

Jarrod Harper Clarence. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Plus I’ve got a few connections over at Glenorchy now, people I have played a lot of my footy with (at Clarence).

“And ‘Spear’ (former Clarence coach Peter Ryan) is there now too, and he’s someone who helped me massively as a player and a leader.

“To play against them will be good fun.”

Clarence’s 200-Club includes legendary Roos like Russell Newell, Kevin Thornbury, Nick Davey, Scott McCallum, Darren Winter, Nick Paine and Jimmy Baker.

“I’m incredibly proud to have the opportunity to play for Clarence for 200 games and a lot of years and the memories I have taken from that,” Harper said.

“I always wanted to be a Clarence player, so to stand here on the eve on my 200th senior game is super-special.

“I’m a little bit nervous to be joining the list of players who have done it before me – there has been nine so far and me coming in makes it 10.

“Given the history of the footy club and how long it has been around, it is a pretty big achievement.

“I don’t feel real comfortable with it yet but hopefully when I finish up I’ll feel a bit better about it.”

Jarrod Harper, Clarence. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Harper is proud to be a product of the Clarence junior system.

“A local boy growing up in the area, coming all through the junior program, and now I’m joining some of the biggest names in Clarence history,” he said.

“We’re a Clarence family – my grandfather played here, my father played here, my uncles played here, and my cousins are playing here now.

“I’m extremely grateful for the environment the footy club has given me to grow up in.”

In other round 11 SFL Premier League games, Brighton hosts North Hobart at Pontville Oval, and Lauderdale is at home to Kingborough.