XAVIER CLARKE (SNR)
Xavier began in under 17 colts at ten years of age and played every season since.
In 1970/71
Xavier won the Clubs Colts best and fairest
He played in the 1971/72 premiership team kicking the winning point (something he has in common with Barry Breen of
St Kilda) from the half forward flank seconds before the siren. He also played
in the 1977/78 and 1978/79 premiership teams.
Known mostly as a fullback he played in practically every position on the field. Xavier was a very unselfish player
and was more concerned with team effort than personal attention. He was certainly
a very significant cog in the Saints success story.
Quite a number of players in their entire career never play in a premiership team but Xavier was lucky enough to have
played in three.
Probably his
greatest honour was meeting the Queen in the 1976/77 grand final. Very few people
have this honour and it's a fitting tribute that he should have this honour.
Although the
NTFL recognises Xavier as only playing 115 games during my research I came across an article written in an old halo of season
1983/84 and it states (quote) “Xavier Clarke played in Saints 71/72 premiership and then through to the cyclone in 1974.
From club records, he is credited with 50 games precyclone and as far as the club is concerned has played 165 games to date.”(Unquote)
Xavier is
a life member of St Marys.
Since that article
I have come across a notice of motion in the minutes of the 30th A.G.M. dated 13th July 1982. That Xavier Clarke
be awarded player Life Membership for 10 years and 167 Games. It was moved by D. Wright and seconded by T. Berry and carried
unanimously
Xavier is married
to Pam and they have five children and are seen frequently at the football Andrew the eldest works out bush while Xavier (Jnr) and Raphael are currently carving out an AFL career with St Kilda. Marius is doing well
and Frances from all accounts is a very handy basketballer
Sadly "X" passed
away on the 24/11/2008
.
