Raph Clarke on the move

[Toy Saint]

Speculation that Raph is looking for a trade, Carlton and Gold Coast mentioned.

No doubt a lot of people on this forum will be happy.

But I reckon he'll add some value to a team that appreciates him.

He has size, pace and agility and offers good run from the back half.

His style was too risky for Ross Lyon, but may be valued by a more agressive coach.

[savatage]

It's not speculation - he's definitely looking to go to another club. It's that or get delisted.

Not sure about your last sentence as the coach this year was Scott Watters who plays a much more attacking style, yet he wasn't required under that style of play either.

[Toy Saint]

Really didnt get much chance under Scott Watters. Did well in the VFL, but was overlooked in favour of younger prospects.

[savatage]

Scott Watters gave him a few in a row (as he did for a lot of players this year) to make up his mind & he came up with the same conclusion as everyone else in that time. Obviously would play & hang onto him if he rated him but he doesn't...if we can get something for him - it's better than just delisting him. 8 years is enough time! Most players don't get half of that opportunity.

[shmic_s]

I like Raph. Has many positives. Size, pace and courage in spades.
I still think he is a half forward and he would definitely have some value.

Good luck on wherever you end up Raph.

[dragit]

One guy who I would be genuinely happy to see do well at another club, even at Carlton. He has most of the tools, I think he lacks a bit of mongrel/killer instinct, hopefully a change of scenery gets him playing some decent consistent footy at AFL level.

[Dr Spaceman]

Raph, a Sainter who always tried his best.

Battled epilepsy and abusive fans.

Never gave the club any trouble off the field and by all reports a really top bloke.

Loved the Saints however appears, for whatever reasons, his career continually stalled.

Can only wish him all the best in the future, both on and off the field.

[savatage]

Spot on Dr Spaceman, top bloke - gave his all. If another club gives him an opportunity, he deserves all the very best!

[bigcarl]

I reckon he'll add some value to a team that appreciates him.

He has size, pace and agility and offers good run from the back half.

His style was too risky for Ross Lyon, but may be valued by a more agressive coach.

Agree. Hope he stays and plays his career out with us.

[Middo]

Not sure why people think he could be a good player in another team and play consistent footy when he really only played a handful of good games with us over 8 years .....my mates still laugh when his name is mentioned.

[dragit]

Not sure why people think he could be a good player in another team and play consistent footy when he really only played a handful of good games with us over 8 years .....my mates still laugh when his name is mentioned.

Great stuff... Your mates sound like a pack of knobs.

[Dr Spaceman]

Not sure why people think he could be a good player in another team and play consistent footy when he really only played a handful of good games with us over 8 years .....my mates still laugh when his name is mentioned.

No doubt your mates have played footy at the highest level.

[70s sainter]

So if he goes as a free agent, does that mean the "net loss" to saints will will increase from a pick at 13 to say..................12?
Which means that our pick we had at 12 will drop to pick 13.
End result = pick 12 and 13. yay.

[savatage]

None of us knows exactly what's happening (most likely even the AFL!) but I'm certain our pick won't improve in the first round. Others are saying it doesn't matter how many players we lose to FA - that we will still have the same pick no matter what. That sounds ludicrous. To me, we will receive a 3rd round late pick for Raph Clarke if he does go via free agency.

It's like saying if we lost Goddard, Hayes & Dal Santo - that we would still just get one mid first round pick. That would be unbeliavably daft of the AFL, so SURELY in addition to our first round pick for Goddard, we will get a 3rd round pick for Raph Clarke. I would take it in a heartbeat.

[Middo]

Not sure why people think he could be a good player in another team and play consistent footy when he really only played a handful of good games with us over 8 years .....my mates still laugh when his name is mentioned.

Great stuff... Your mates sound like a pack of knobs.

Yeah right you never heard anyone get into Raph ......?? Mates or other supporters knew the deal with Raph except we Saints supporters hoped he would come good but he never quite did ....

[Middo]

Not sure why people think he could be a good player in another team and play consistent footy when he really only played a handful of good games with us over 8 years .....my mates still laugh when his name is mentioned.

No doubt your mates have played footy at the highest level.

Yeah some have but not a name dropper like some on here , my point being is he is not going to magically come good at another club ??
Will be interested to see how many clubs make a play for him , I'm guessing zero..!!

[clarky449]

Nice guy, i like him. Feel sorry for him, known to be the worst player in the AFL, according to some people. But i hope he does very well at another club. Right time for him to leave, wasnt great, did some good stuff, but isint what we need going forward.

[saintbrat]

I reckon he'll add some value to a team that appreciates him.

He has size, pace and agility and offers good run from the back half.

His style was too risky for Ross Lyon, but may be valued by a more agressive coach.

Agree. Hope he stays and plays his career out with us.

just as likely as moving according to his manager- on sen before.

[savatage]

If he doesn't move, it's career over. Simple as that, he HAS to find a suitor at another club.

[SainterK]

Of course someone can go to another club and reinvent themselves.

Happens all the time.

Had a few come through our club door in recent times.

[bigcarl]

Raph will leave for another club and make fools of a few geniuses on here.

[saintsRrising]

85 games...so no father son....

[PADDLEPOP1001]

Agree with the good Dr and BigCarl ,the guy has never been played forward of the centre ,I hope he finds a club and I wish him well!

[St Ick]

Hope he leaves and I hope he does well. A bit like Goose, its rare that you lose a player and want to see them succeed!

Must say, if we are already sitting on max compo, losing Clarke for nothing seems to me that the compo system has a major flaw...

[jmac101]

IF it is true that we don't get another pick if Clarke moves the club then has flexibility of picking up another free agent though right? Any one left worth going after?