Essendon Royals secure Dean Clarke for Season 2024

Essendon Royals is thrilled to announce the re-signing of Dean Clarke for the 2024 VPL2 season. Clarke, who joined the Royals partway through the 2023 season, quickly became a pivotal figure in the team, playing a significant role in ensuring the club’s survival in the league.

Arriving in Australia with an impressive football pedigree, including stints at Limerick, Shamrock Rovers, and St Patrick’s Athletic in the League of Ireland, and experience in the Europa League qualifiers, Clarke brought a wealth of talent and experience to the Royals.

His impact was immediate and profound, with Clarke finishing the season as the Royals’ top scorer, netting 10 goals and claiming the Golden Boot. Clarke’s exceptional ability to navigate through defences and score from various positions in the final third made him a standout talent in the division.

Clarke scored crucial braces against Boorondara-Carey Eagles and Box Hill United in the final weeks of the season, which were instrumental in securing vital points for the Royals in the closing stages of the season.

Dean’s arrival at the club in 2023 might have been under the radar, but by the end of the season, he was a well-known name in the league for all the right reasons.

His re-signing is a testament to his impact on the team and his commitment to the Royals’ future success.

As the Royals gear up for the 2024 VPL2 season, Clarke’s continued presence in the squad is a significant boost.

His experience, coupled with his proven goal-scoring ability, will be invaluable as the team looks to build on the momentum from the previous season.