Clarke claims final Rising Star nomination

St Kilda's Raphael Clarke is the Round 22 – and final – nomination for the NAB AFL Rising Star Medal. The No.8 selection at the 2003 NAB AFL National Draft has been rewarded for some solid progress with the Saints this year, having followed up with one game in his debut season followed by 14 in 2005. He had 18 touches across half-back during the Saints 139-point thrashing of the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night at Telstra Dome, but he had 23 touches against Richmond in round five, 22 against Hawthorn in round 12 and 20 against Melbourne in round four. The speedy and athletic defender is the younger brother of St Kilda's Xavier Clarke and was recruited from St Mary's in Darwin.