Raphael Clarke: I'm not actually going. I'm missing another week with injury unfortunately.
saintbrat: Raph what are you doing outside of football_ study or work or just Xavier's housework?
Raphael Clarke: I'm doing a bit of Xavier's housework, but i've started a welding course this year.
saintbrat: How many players are not going, and will they attend the Springvale practice game to support them?
Raphael Clarke: I think we're taking 30 players to Lavington. The blokes that remain behind are injured and wont be able to get up to much.
mad-saint-guy: Where do you prefer playing, midfield or forward?
Raphael Clarke: Probably on the wing, at the moment i'm pushing for a half back flanking role.
saintbrat: Do your family plan to get down for many games this year?
Raphael Clarke: Yeah - Mum and Dad try and get down as often as possible, its hard for them with my younger brother and sister in school up in Darwin.
mad-saint-guy: What are your main footy goals for this season?
Raphael Clarke: My main aim is to play 10 to 15 senior games and to remain injury free.
saintbrat: Is your younger brother hoping to get into afl as well?
Raphael Clarke: He's a long way off. He's 14 at the moment and hasnt really thought about it.
mad-saint-guy: Have you bulked up at all during the pre-season?
Raphael Clarke: I've put on weight - so I think I've bulked up a bit. But i'm not one of those guys who can put on lots of weight.
saintbrat: What are the main things you are missing from NT?
Raphael Clarke: Probably going hunting, shooting, fishing... hanging out with mates from school.
saintbrat: How many guys in the rehab group today?
Raphael Clarke: i think there were about 12.
noddy04: Raphael do you see yourself being a permanent member of the first 22 this year?
Raphael Clarke: Yes, i definately see that as a possibility. Its something i'm striving towards.
saintbrat: What foods do you like to have and also miss?
Raphael Clarke: I enjoy steak and meat. I dont eat too many meals without meat... I really miss mum's cooking.
saintbrat: Who does the cooking you or X?
Raphael Clarke: We alternate ... whoever cooks, the other cleans
noddy04: Raphael, did you see Grant and Brendan wrestling at training on Monday?
Raphael Clarke: Yes I did, I thought Brendan was wrestling with Aaron Hamill, but he was wrestling with the coach!!! I think he's still pretty sore from it.
sunnimike: Who do you think has been your toughest opponent?
Raphael Clarke: I've played Mark Johnson who's a tough hard player... he was difficult to play on.
mad-saint-guy: What has GT's reaction to the two games we have played so far?
Raphael Clarke: He is pretty relaxed, we're not quite playing the team footy we'd like to and we're aiming to get back on track this weekend.
mad-saint-guy: What kind of music are you into?
Raphael Clarke: I like country music... artists like Slim Dusty, lots of other music too.
noddy04: Raphael Do you know why they were wrestling? and are you allowed to tell us?
Raphael Clarke: I wasnt sure, I think it was all just a bit of fun.
sainters: What has been the hardest thing for you since you have come to the AFL?
Raphael Clarke: The whole professionalism of the game is very hard to adjust to.... its a totally different lifestyle.
sainters: Who are you best mates at the club?
Raphael Clarke: Don't have any best mates, we are all good friends, but Leigh Fisher, Matty Ferguson, Dylan Pftizner are all about my age, we tend to hang out together.
sainters: Do you enjoy fishing?
Raphael Clarke: At home, we go fishing all through Arnhem Land...we catch mainly Barramundi, Mango Jack, Snapper... its great.
mad-saint-guy: What do you think of Xavier's long hair? And has he copped any flack for it?
Raphael Clarke: He's copped a fair bit.... he cut it off the other day.. so now its fairly short.
saintbrat: Is Dylan hoping to get few games this year?
Raphael Clarke: Yes, he had a bad year last year injury wise... he's hoping to get a full season under his belt this year.
sainters: Whats it like living with X-man? Do you have any arguments?
Raphael Clarke: Nothing out of the ordinary, we have lived together all our lives..just minor domestic disturbances.
sainters: When can we expect to see Leigh Fisher back and playing?
Raphael Clarke: I'd say he'll be right for Round 1.
mad-saint-guy: Any nicknames other than Raph?
Raphael Clarke: I've had box... so me and Xavier were x-box. They also call me canyon every now and then..not sure why.
sainters: How did you go in the under 18 championsahip? and any advice for me when I play in it this year?
Raphael Clarke: I played under 18 champs for 3 years... first 2 were good, last one wanst so good. Just play your own game......block out the fact that recruiters and others are there watching and play your own game.
mad-saint-guy: Do you know if Fraser is still calling Barry Brooks "stupid"?
Raphael Clarke: Yes, in fact I think everyone is calling him stupid at the moment.
saintbrat: I know Robert Harvey was your idol, how have you found training and playing with him?
Raphael Clarke: It was amazing at the start... now he's another one of the guys and he's very approachable to ask for advice.
sainters: Who is your favourite player in the AFL, and why?
Raphael Clarke: My favourite player is Adam Goodes... he's very versatile, athletic and has a great work ethic.
sainters: What is the best advice given to you from a coach?
Raphael Clarke: Grant Thomas' focus is on intensity and he demands that of us when we play...
Raphael Clarke: Thanks for the questions everyone and hope to see you all at the games.
