Clem Michael facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clem Michael |
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Clem Anthony Michael | ||
| Date of birth | 16 July 1976 | ||
| Original team | South Fremantle (WAFL) | ||
| Debut | Round 1, 29 March 1998, Fremantle v. Melbourne, at MCG |
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| Career highlights | |||
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Clem Anthony Michael was born on 16 July 1976. He is a former Australian Rules football player. Clem played for the Fremantle Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). His career with Fremantle lasted from 1998 to 2000.
Clem is the son of WAFL legend Stephen Michael. Clem was chosen by Fremantle in the 1997 National Draft. He was pick number 21. Before joining the AFL, Clem played a big part in South Fremantle's 1997 WAFL Premiership team. A premiership means they won the championship that year.
After playing 43 games over three seasons, Clem's career ended early. A serious knee injury forced him to retire at the end of the 2001 season. He had a special surgery on his knee. New cartilage was grown in Scandinavia using his own cells. He stayed on Fremantle's player list for the 2002 season. He even trained with South Fremantle again. However, he never played football professionally after his injury.
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Clem Michael's Football Journey
Clem Michael had an interesting path in Australian Rules football. He followed in his famous father's footsteps. His journey took him from local leagues to the big stage of the AFL.
Early Career and Draft
Clem started his football journey in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). He played for the South Fremantle Football Club. In 1997, he helped his team win the WAFL Premiership. This was a major achievement for him and his club.
His strong performance caught the eye of AFL teams. He was then selected by the Fremantle Football Club in the 1997 National Draft. This draft is where AFL teams pick new players. Being chosen meant he would play at the highest level of Australian Rules football.
Playing for Fremantle
Clem Michael made his AFL debut in Round 1 on 29 March 1998. He played for Fremantle against the Melbourne Football Club at the MCG. He played 43 games for Fremantle over three seasons. During his time, he kicked 11 goals.
In 1999, Clem received the Fremantle Football Club Beacon Award. This award recognizes a player's commitment and effort. It showed he was a valued member of the team.
Battling Injury
Sadly, Clem's promising career was cut short by a serious knee injury. This happened at the end of the 2001 season. The injury was so severe that he had to retire from playing.
He underwent an experimental surgery to try and fix his knee. This surgery involved growing new cartilage. The new cartilage was grown in Scandinavia from a sample of his own cartilage. It was a very advanced medical procedure. Even after this surgery, he was unable to return to professional football.
