Beaumaris have confirmed that former Saint and their prized off season recruit Raphael Clarke will take over coaching duties for the final two home and away matches of the season.
Clarke who has played nine games and kicked five goals for the Sharks this year took training on Tuesday night and Beaumaris President confirmed to vafa.com.au that Clarke accepted the club’s request to take over for the final two matches of the season.
Raphael Clarke, 28, came to the club in the pre season after playing through the summer for Northern Territory club St Mary’s. Prior to that Clarke played 85 games for St Kilda in the AFL between 2004-2012 in an injury interrupted career. He becomes the second indigenous coach – after former Beaumaris coach Jason Mifsud – to lead a Premier side in the VAFA.
Clarke has some previous coaching experience and he will be assisted by current assistant coach Mick Lovejoy. Clarke led the 2013 Flying Boomerangs Indigenous side on their tour of South Africa.
Clarke is not expected to play the final two games given his has again been suffering with an injured hamstring.
Beaumaris President Ron Buller will be on the VAFA Football Show on 96.5 Inner FM this Saturday morning from 9am to speak on the events of this week at Beaumaris.
Clarke begins his VAFA coaching career with a tough road trip to third placed Old Scotch on Saturday, a win for the Sharks will guarantee them a place in Premier for the 2015 season.
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