Raiders' Dylan and Hayden Clarke, plus Declan Everett, look to play VFL

Hayden and Dylan Clarke will train with Port Melbourne in an effort to win contracts, while Declan Everett is doing likewise at Box Hill.

Dylan Clarke, 20, spent time with Carlton in the VFL, but never played a senior game.

He's nominated Northern Football League outfit Heidelberg as his second club.

"It's a tough decision (to leave Raiders), but it's the best decision for my footy personally because of the travel," the Melbourne-based midfielder explained.

"Travelling doesn't suit everybody and it didn't suit me, I didn't have the year of footy I wanted, I think the travelling was a part of that, but obviously you can't blame it all on the travel."

Twenty-one-year-old Hayden is yet to nominate his second club, should he gain a contact with Port Melbourne, but is talking to both Heidelberg and Raiders.

The on-baller had a breakout season, announcing himself with a 40--plus disposal game against Wodonga on Anzac Day.

"I suppose for me, having a good year, it prompted it (the potential move) and gave me the confidence that, maybe, I will be up to it because you're always wanting to play the highest level you can," he said.

Everett showed his class in a number of games last season, including one against Wangaratta Rovers where he kicked two stunning goals from near the boundary in a minute to kick-start a fightback.

"I've been wanting to do it for a few years, but COVID messed things up," he revealed.

If the 20-year-old gains a contract, he's nominated former ruckman Scott Meyer's home club Beaconsfield as his second outfit.

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"It definitely played on my mind (to leave Raiders), I've been there my whole life but I couldn't justify the travel home," he said.

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