Western Bulldogs forward Charlie Clarke will debut against Hawthorn this Sunday at Marvel Stadium.
It is a welcome reward for the 20-year-old, who has been plying his trade with Footscray VFL over the past 18 months to ready himself for an AFL opportunity.
He has kicked six goals in the four VFL wins this year, and booted three majors from nine disposals in Saturday’s exhibition match against the AFL U18 Academy.
Head of Development & Training, Jamie Maddocks, broke the news in front of the squad following this morning’s training session.
“I’m very excited – I’ve been dreaming of this my whole life,” Clarke said.
“I love this club and love the people that are part of it. I’m just so excited to get my opportunity.
“Especially from where I’ve come from, 12 months ago I was probably a long way off. To be here now – I’m just very grateful.”
Clarke was drafted with pick 24 from the Sandringham Dragons/Port Melbourne Colts in the 2022 National Draft.
A hard-working small forward with great goal sense and determination, he becomes the Dogs’ third league debutant in 2024.
The Bulldogs will reveal their Round 8 squad tonight, before it is cut to a team of 23 on Friday at 5pm.
