Glenelg sign Matthew Clarke as Senior Coach

By ZAC MILBANK

Glenelg has confirmed it has secured the signature of dual Crows AFLW premiership mentor Matthew Clarke as its new senior coach. 

Clarke, who steered Adelaide to AFLW titles in 2019 and 2022, enjoyed a successful eight-season tenure at West Lakes but will now link up with the Tigers in the Hostplus SANFL League on a three-year deal.

The 52 year old, who has also acted as the Crows’ AFL ruck coach and development mentor, brings a wealth of experience to Brighton Road having played 258 AFL Games from 1993 to 2007 for Brisbane (130), Adelaide (118) and St Kilda (10).

”It’s going to be a lot of fun, I reckon,” Clarke said.

“Glenelg is obviously a Club that’s got really rich history and has had a period of really good success over the last couple of years. I’m looking forward to playing a role within that.”

Glenelg captain Liam McBean hailed the club’s ability to entice a candidate of Clarke’s quality to Brighton Road.

“We’re incredibly excited about the new appointment,” McBean said.

”It’s a great sign for our Club to be able to attract somebody of Matt’s calibre. We can’t wait to begin the climb of chasing another premiership in 2026.”

A best-and-fairest with the Lions in 1997 and the Crows’ best team man in 2004, Clarke’s neat fit at Tigerland is also enhanced by his strong connections in the club’s south-east regional zone.

Clarke spent much of his childhood in Mount Gambier, making his senior football debut as a teenager for the West Gambier Kangaroos.

The reliable ruckman played two League games for the Bays in 2006 while on the Crows’ AFL list.

He is also the cousin of Glenelg draftee Angus Clarke, who is currently displaying great promise with Essendon in the AFL.

Clarke replaces dual premiership mentor Darren Reeves, who accepted an AFL assistant coaching role with Port Adelaide in late September.

Reeves guided the Tigers into three consecutive Grand Finals in his three-season stint, winning the 2023 and 2024 flags.