‘It’s an incredible feeling’: Clarke clinches Freddo McMahon Medal for inspirational performance

By Aydin Payne

Sep 25, 2022

Simply the best: Echuca's Darchi Clarke claimed the Freddo McMahon Medal for best afield. Photo by Megan Fisher

Down by five points at the last break, Echuca needed one player to step up and rise to the occasion.

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Who would be the match-winner?

Enter Darchi Clarke.

Echuca will etch the young gun’s name in folklore for his remarkable final quarter heroics as he guided the Murray Bombers to a stunning 19-point grand final win over the Shepparton Swans in the under-18s decider.

Clarke, the Freddo McMahon medallist for the best-on-ground player, orchestrated the stunning final quarter comeback for Echuca with multiple eye-catching efforts.

It started by two gut-running chasedown tackles, followed by a huge contested grab and goal and then one last goal — his third major in the big dance — to seal the 8.9 (58) and 5.8 (38) triumph at Deakin Reserve.

“I can’t believe it. To be a goal down and come back and win ... it’s an incredible feeling,” Clarke said.

“We knew we couldn’t give up at three-quarter-time. The whole year, we knew we wanted it the most and then after the siren we came out firing.”

The talented speedster said he knew that someone would need to put their hand up to lead the final quarter revival.

“As we said we’re going to war and if I step up, they’re all going to step up, so that’s what I did and then everyone else (stepped up),” Clarke said.

“I was overwhelmed (when they called my name out). I was just full of adrenaline and I couldn’t believe it.

“It’s an awesome feeling; I’ve never won a grand final before, so this is an awesome feeling.”