Clarke Hansen

It is with heavy hearts, but a lifetime of wonderful memories, that we say goodbye to Clarke Hansen, who passed away on May 4, 2026. To the world, Clarke was a legendary voice of Australian sport, but to those of us who loved him, he was the heartbeat of our family—a man of wit, warmth, and an endless capacity for storytelling. Clarke spent three decades as a staple of ABC Radio, where his passion for the game leaped through the airwaves. Whether he was calling a nail-biting Australian rules football match or bringing the magic of the Olympic Games and tennis into living rooms across the country, he did it with a grace and excitement that was uniquely his. Being inducted into the Melbourne Cricket Ground Media Hall of Fame was a proud moment for him, but Clarke was always far too humble for the accolades. He simply loved the thrill of the game and the camaraderie of the press box. He even had a bit of a rebellious streak in his early days, bringing that same spark to his time as one of the original news readers on NRN Channel 10. Beyond the microphone, Clarke’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted father whose pride knew no bounds, especially when watching his son, Ashley, take the field for the West Coast Eagles. There was nothing Clarke loved more than talking shop about footy, though he always made sure his love for his family came before his love for the sport. He had a way of making everyone in the room feel seen and heard, using that famous voice of his not just to broadcast to thousands, but to offer a comforting word or a loud, infectious laugh to a friend in need. Clarke leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the archives of the ABC. He taught us how to appreciate the beauty of a well-played game and the importance of living a life full of passion. We will miss his stories, his wisdom, and the way he could light up a room just by walking into it. Rest easy, Clarke. We’ll be listening for your voice in the wind and cheering you on from the sidelines.