VANDERHOEK CLAIMS JACK CLARKE MEDAL

South Fremantle Football Club is incredibly proud to congratulate Colts co-captain Chace Vanderhoek on winning the 2026 Jack Clarke Medal, awarded to the best player in the EGT Colts competition.

Vanderhoek was crowned the competition’s best player last night following an outstanding season in the red and white, becoming the eighth South Fremantle player to win the prestigious award.

The 17-year-old joins an impressive list of Bulldogs to have claimed the Jack Clarke Medal, including Ivan Glucina (1962), Gordon Bancroft (1966), Max Ford (1970), John Rioli (1982), Derek Collard (1983), Stephen Rowe (1984) and, most recently, Toby Whan in 2025.

Chace’s victory also makes it back-to-back Jack Clarke Medals for South Fremantle following Whan’s win last season and marks the first time the Club has produced consecutive winners since an incredible run of three straight between 1982 and 1984.

Still an under-age player in the Colts competition, Vanderhoek produced a brilliant season through the Bulldogs midfield, playing every game and consistently leading from the front alongside fellow co-captain Jack McAuliffe. Across the season, Chace averaged an impressive 26.1 disposals, 3.8 marks, 3.5 tackles and 0.6 goals per game, establishing himself as one of the competition’s most consistent and influential midfielders.

His season was highlighted by several outstanding individual performances.

In Round 3 against Claremont, Vanderhoek collected 36 disposals, five marks and three tackles, before another dominant display against Peel Thunder in Round 7, finishing with 30 disposals, seven tackles and a goal.

He also produced 25 disposals, eight tackles and a goal against East Fremantle in Round 8, before collecting 34 disposals against Perth in Round 12.

To produce such a consistent season at just 17 years of age is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Chace’s work ethic, talent and commitment to his football.

Everyone at South Fremantle Football Club is incredibly proud of Chace and congratulates him on an outstanding achievement and a thoroughly deserved 2026 Jack Clarke Medal.