Ryan Clarke, a former midfielder for the Sydney Swans, has joined the Sorrento Football Netball Club for the 2025 season in the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League (MPFNL), marking an exciting development for the local team.
With this move, he reunites with Dylan Clarke, his younger brother, who this year was named Sorrento’s Best and Fairest.
Ryan Clarke, 27, has played in 40 games for North Melbourne and 57 for Sydney during his successful AFL career. He was an important part of the Swans’ run to the 2022 Grand Final and was renowned for successfully tagging opponents, including the strong Nick Daicos. Although the Swans lost to Geelong in the Grand Final, Clarke’s defensive prowess was crucial in the games that preceded that.
His experience is expected to strengthen the Sharks’ midfield and help him and Dylan form a solid partnership. In expressing his enthusiasm for the pair, coach James Hallahan said, “Ryan is a bit more explosive… they will complement each other well.”
There is a long and distinguished history of the Clarke brothers playing together as kids. Now that they are back together at Sorrento, their friendship from their early football days has returned. Hallahan noted that their parents are particularly excited, having traveled extensively to support their sons over the years. “To have them both at the same club is exciting for the family,” he remarked.
Hallahan stated that the team is actively seeking more additions to bolster the roster as Sorrento prepares for the 2025 campaign. Now that the Clarke brothers are back, the Sharks are hopeful for a successful season.