15th September 2005

St Kilda's Xavier Clarke has been judged the winner of the 2005 AFL Community Leadership Award.

The award recognises an AFL player who has shown outstanding leadership and excellence in making a voluntary commitment to the community and charitable organisations during 2005.Clarke has been recognised for his contribution to the Sacred Heart Mission, the Royal Children's Hospital, The Unity Foundation and, in particular, The Indigenous Lighthouse Foundation.

Clarke, along with his St Kilda team mate, Allan Murray, set up the first Indigenous Lighthouse in Australia 12 months ago. The project aims to provide support and direction to homeless indigenous youth between the ages of 15-22.

He will now receive a $10000 donation from the AFL Foundation and Tattersalls to put towards his charity work.AFL Foundation chairman Ron Evans said that Clarke was a role model for all young Australians.

"Every player that was nominated has made a significant contribution to the community this year, they are all to be congratulated for their hard work," Evans said.

"Xavier Clarke has shown incredible initiative for someone just 21 years of age, he is an inspiration for all young Australians and he is a worthy winner of this award.

"The three runners-up - Joel Bowden (Richmond), Angelo Lekkas (Hawthorn), and Kent Kingsley (Geelong) - will each receive $2000 to be put towards their charity.Previous winners of the award were David Wirrpunda in 2003 and Andrew Schauble in 2004.