AFL Queensland is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2019 Troy Clarke Scholarship, named after AFL Queensland State Development Manager Troy Clarke, who passed away in 2013.
Troy embodied the values of dedication, passion and respect, and the scholarship aims to honour him by supporting a young person from regional Queensland who displays these same traits.
An AFL Queensland Hall of Fame member, Troy played 68 games for the Brisbane Bears between 1991 and 1996 and was the only North Queenslander on the Queensland Team of the Century shortlist.
Troy showed courage and commitment as a player, but it was his impact on footy after his retirement that will be his true legacy to the game.
To commemorate Troy, AFL Queensland and the Clarke family launched the Troy Clarke Scholarship in 2014, with Tom Matthews from Dalby the inaugural recipient followed by Magnetic Island’s Dirk Koenen in 2015, Wide Bay’s Bruce Reville in 2016, Darling Downs’ Zimmorlei Farquharson in 2017 and Cairns’ Austin Harris in 2018.
Sydney Swans player Kurt Tippett, who was discovered by Troy as a teenager, is the Troy Clarke Scholarship Ambassador.
“Clarkey’s genuine love and passion for footy was infectious and the level of support and care he showed everyone in the football community was unwavering,” said Tippett.
“He patiently and very simply guided me through the ins and outs of all things football. The belief he showed in me was enormous and gave me the confidence to continue the path even though the trials of learning a new game looked insurmountable at times.
“I, like many others, am forever grateful for the impact Troy had on me personally and for the huge role he played in my career. I am very proud to be an Ambassador for the Troy Clarke Scholarship.”
2019 Troy Clarke Scholarship Dates:
Applications Open: Now
Applications Close: Friday, August 2nd
Recipient Chosen: Friday, August 9th
Public Announcement: Friday, August 16th
