Mitch Clark

[Lady Lawrence]

Over to you - Vidman & Grimreepah

[Grimreepah]

http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/7135/clarkdu1.jpghttp://img210.imageshack.us/img210/1341/clarktr4.jpg
Lions bio (http://lions.com.au/default.asp?pg=players&spg=playerprofile&personid=358809)
2005 AFL Draft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_AFL_Draft)
footwire stats (http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-brisbane-lions--mitchell-clark)
prostats (http://www.pro-stats.com.au/psw/web/player_profile?pid=2006009)
final siren stats (http://www.finalsiren.com/PlayerStats.asp?PlayerID=1614)
afl tables stats (http://stats.rleague.com/afl/stats/players/M/Mitchell_Clark.html)

[Grimreepah]

Mitch Clark - Footy Draft Bio (http://www.footydraft.com/players.php?player=mitchell_clarke)

Mitchell Clark

Details:
Club: East Fremantle/Rossmoyne
DOB: 19 October 1987 Hgt: 197cm Wgt: 90kg
Position: CHF/Ruck
Natural Foot: Right

Honours:
WA 2002 U/15
WA 2003 U/16
WA 2003 Kevin Sheahan Medallist
AIS Scholarship
WA Under 18 2005

Statistics:
U18 Championships 2005 – 3 games, 6 goals, average 6.3 disposals

Background: Clark came into the year touted with the potential number 1 pick. He drew for the Kevin Sheahan Medal with Rising Star winner Brett Deledio at the 2003 U16 Championships so the pressures were huge on him. Clark also is a top volleyballer and was offered a scholarship in volleyball at the AIS, he rejected this to focus on his football. Last year he was kept out of the 18’s carnival through injury and was set for a big carnival this year. Despite managing to kick 6 goals he just couldn’t find the enough of the footy to have a big impact. He is a very athletic 197 cm player who has been known to win games off his own boot at CHF, has not had a very good year but has managed to have some quite dominating games at colts level with games of 10-15 marks and 4-5 goals.

Strengths:
- Athleticism this is shown through his volleyball ability as well
- Great Hands can take plenty of marks which is what is required as an AFL centre half forward.
- Can win a game off his own boot
- 16’s record hard to ignore
- Room for improvement on body

Weaknesses:
- Has everyone caught up to him in terms of size
- Not a great 2005 season
- Can go missing in games

Footydraft.com Verdict: Very very big potential on Clarke. A 197 cm CHF who has gone through the development pathway with great success, hard to see where he will be taken, but more than likely top 10 on past history and potential.


Lions Cubs excite Lethal (http://lions.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=246591)

Lion cubs excite Lethal
4:34:36 PM Mon 20 February, 2006
Andrew Browne
Sportal for afl.com.au

There was an air of excitement for coaching staff and supporters of the Brisbane Lions at Coorparoo on Friday night as younger players took centre stage in an intra-club match.

A pair of them playing on opposite forward lines for the different coloured teams had Lions fans thinking that perhaps missing the finals last year might only have been a one-off.

Daniel Merrett with three goals looks ready to fulfil the promise in his fourth season for the club after making his debut last year and Western Australian draftee Mitchell Clark, the Lions' top pick taken at No.9 overall, was prominent.

Following the 70-minute hit-out in warm conditions, coach Leigh Matthews found it hard to keep the grin off his face when asked about Clark's performance in which he roamed across the forward line taking marks and kicking two goals.

"We are glad we got him and you think 'yeah that is a good draft choice'," Matthews said about the 18-year-old West Australian as he cast a careful eye on his players after Friday's hit-out.

Matthews though was also impressed by Clark's opponent, Wayde Mills, the Lions' second round pick at No.25 overall.

"I thought it was good duel between him (Mills) and Mitch Clark," Matthews observed Matthews.

"Mitch was alright, but Wayde was with him all the time and that is one of Wayde's strengths."

Prior to the draft though Clark sent a scare through the Lions' camp when he caught the meningococcal virus, but he was able to overcome the disease. Despite his promising performance up forward on Friday night, Clark says he still has not fully recovered.

"The physios say it takes over six months to recover from a major illness," Clark said.

"I am at about three months - I was having some trouble with my groins and my body (in general) but now I am pretty good although I will see how I pull up after tonight."

Clark kicked 2.3 and acknowledged he could have had "a couple more goals" and noticed the increase in skills compared to playing back in Perth last year.

"I was pretty happy just to have a run with the boys," he said.

"They hit more targets and were more skilful but did not think it was any quicker."

A gifted sportsman, Clark enjoyed success at volleyball and basketball before concentrating on football and as the code uncovers new heroes, Clark had no hesitation in admitting he had modelled his game on Lions powerhouse Jonathan Brown.

"My heart has always been with footy and that is what I have always wanted to do," Clark declared.

"I have modelled my game around him (Brown) and I have always followed him so I try and chat and learn as much from him as I can."

The centre-stage will have a bigger audience next week when the Lions take on Essendon in the NAB Cup opener at Carrara on the Gold Coast and maybe a few more than the 1500 that were there at Coorparoo will see the Lions array of emerging talents.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=44257)

Mitchell was recruited from the Riverton Football Club in suburban Perth and East Fremantle. He represented Western Australia in the 2003 NAB AFL Under 16 Championships (where he shared the Division One best and fairest award, the Sheehan Medal, with Brett Deledio) and the 2005 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. He was also a member of the 2003 AIS-AFL Academy Squad.

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/6996/clark1rg1.jpghttp://img95.imageshack.us/img95/1016/clark0gfsl4.jpghttp://tinypic.com/2v1soq9.jpghttp://img144.imageshack.us/img144/3465/clark2ig7.jpg

[nigelicious]

I really hate to be the one to post this :

Mishap may end Lion's year

By Andrew Hamilton
March 16, 2007
BRISBANE Lions' attacking strategy for 2007 rests on the result of a medical examination on forward Mitch Clark, who has thrown an injury scare through the camp after a training mishap.
And hard-working utility Joel Patfull is in doubt for tomorrow night's NAB Cup grand final against Carlton because of a sore knee.
When Clark first suffered the knee injury, the prognosis was that he faced a reconstruction and would miss the season.
But Lions coach Leigh Matthews was last night hopeful an examination on Monday would reveal no structural damage.
"He came down for a marking contest straight-legged. My first thought was that's a knee reconstruction," Matthews said.
"But sometimes you can jar your knee and play a week later. We'll just have to see what the outcome is."
Brisbane had high hopes this season for the 20-year-old player who was its top draft pick in 2005, seeing him as a lethal third option in attack alongside Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw.
Brown and Bradshaw return tomorrow night for their first hitout.
Patfull has developed into a 'Mr Fix-It' for the Lions with his ability to play at either end of the ground.
He has exceptional strength, which allows him to compete against the game's big men, but is also super fit and can be swung on to a smaller player.
He was last night named in the Lions' 28-man NAB Cup grand final squad and his availability will be decided today.
"He's just been a bit tender in the knee. If he's OK tomorrow he'll play and if he's not he won't," Matthews said.
After a horror run of injuries through February and March last year, the Lions had been hoping for better this season.
But they will also have to get by tomorrow night without No.1 ruckman Jamie Charman, who is still suffering from the tight achilles tendon that caused him to miss the semi-final against Geelong.

[charles202]

Its going to be a long wait til monday to hear the results of the tests!

Fingers crossed for you Clarkey

[TheBrownDog]

So much of our 2007 plans are based around this bloke. I really, really hope this turns out to be a minor mishap.

[don vito of fitzroy]

We need him if something is wrong with Brown or if Bradshaw is moved to CHB. He didn't play a lot last season but he did show some promising signs. It wouldn't surprise me if he is a starter in the near future.

[Tarkyn_24]

Hope the kids OK. Gutsy player

[jo_lions]

I've got all my fingers and toes crossed for Clarko. 2007 is supposed to be HIS year!

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21402853-10389,00.html)

And fears gun youngster Mitch Clark may require a knee reconstruction have been allayed with an examination clearing him of any ligament damage. Clark suffered bruising on the bone and will be unavailable for up to six weeks, a far brighter scenario than the possible 12 months a reconstruction would have taken

I know a 6 week injury is poo, but I am so relieved he isn't gone for the season.

[TheBrownDog]

Good news.

Notting a possibility for Round 1? :eek:

Amazing, should rest him anyway just to be sure.

[Vidman]

He'll be back soon, hurt something.

I just thought i'd contribute, I only just realised this thread existed. Ah well I'll be on the case now, smacking bottom.

[xplo]

Cj said last week it was a hyper-extension of the knee -- landed funny. Hurts a lot but no lasting damage.

[black_hart]

Is there a definate date for mitch's return.

The article said up to six weeks on the 19th so is round 4 out of the question?

Can't wait to see him working in tandem with Brown.

[notting18]

Is there a definate date for mitch's return.

The article said up to six weeks on the 19th so is round 4 out of the question?

Can't wait to see him working in tandem with Brown. From memory he had bone bruising which can take the 6 weeks to heal, most likely 4 weeks off the knee and then slowly working his way bak

[Kochie 16]

I haven't seen Clark play once, so i don't know what he's capable of.
All the top commentators are tipping him to have a big season and say that he had enourmos potential.

[TheBrownDog]

I haven't seen Clark play once, so i don't know what he's capable of.
All the top commentators are tipping him to have a big season and say that he had enourmos potential.

He's going to be special. Extremely tall and athletic with a great football brain. The glimpses we saw early last season were very encouraging.

[Kochie 16]

He's going to be special. Extremely tall and athletic with a great football brain. The glimpses we saw early last season were very encouraging.
I hope that's all true. I can't judge him till i've seen him play.

[Crusha]

From memory he had bone bruising which can take the 6 weeks to heal, most likely 4 weeks off the knee and then slowly working his way bak
Overheard him speaking to someone beside us at the practice match vs Morningside last week - he said that there was a "fracture" and that he would be out for at least 6-8 weeks.
That is a shame - I agree with TBD, he is a "goodun", let's hope he recovers fully. He has the potential to be a top class player.

[weevil]

I haven't seen Clark play once, so i don't know what he's capable of.
All the top commentators are tipping him to have a big season and say that he had enourmos potential.Don’t know if he is going to be single handedly tearing any opposing teams apart this year. But he looks to have all the attributes...just needs to get on the track.

[Vidman]

Mitchell Clark (Leg) - 2-3 weeks.
Suffered a bruised fibula during a skills and conditioning session in the week prior to the NAB Cup Grand Final and is expected to miss the early parts of the 2007 season.

from main board (didnt want to take credit for it)

[Vidman]

Current status according to official website.

Mitchell Clark (Leg) - 1-2 weeks.
Suffered a bruised fibula during a skills and conditioning session in the week prior to the NAB Cup Grand Final and is expected to miss the early parts of the 2007 season.

[TheBrownDog]

Looked pretty good at training yesterday. Was slotting goals from 50 metres out too... great kick from set shots.

A couple of weeks of conditioning and he should be ready for a run I reckon.

[LuckyLuke]

Looked pretty good at training yesterday. Was slotting goals from 50 metres out too... great kick from set shots.

A couple of weeks of conditioning and he should be ready for a run I reckon.

Thats what we need. Someone that has a better than 50% conversion rate from set shots.

Although, Browny is doing ok so far this year. 9 goals straight i think. (Hope i haven't jinxed him!)

[TheBrownDog]

Thats what we need. Someone that has a better than 50% conversion rate from set shots.

Although, Browny is doing ok so far this year. 9 goals straight i think. (Hope i haven't jinxed him!)

Drummo was also putting them straight through the middle as well. Reckon he may be used as a leading forward this year.

[BigCat2]

Drummo was also putting them straight through the middle as well. Reckon he may be used as a leading forward this year.

Not a bad idea. Sort of like Moody's role vs St Kilda, but hopefully more accurate than 4 behinds.

I'm sure more can be done about Moods' disposal. It is clear that it is one area that's holding him back at the moment, I'm sure the coaching staff are working on it.

[LuckyLuke]

Thats what we need. Someone that has a better than 50% conversion rate from set shots.

Although, Browny is doing ok so far this year. 9 goals straight i think. (Hope i haven't jinxed him!)

I'm sooooo sorry. :(

[Ceebee]

I'm sooooo sorry. :(
So it was your fault:rolleyes:

[LuckyLuke]

So it was your fault:rolleyes:

Well it was either me or the thunderstorms;)

[TheBrownDog]

Can't wait for the prodigal son to return!

[konstas_87]

how far away is mitch? besides berger he has been our highest, most promising pick for ages and has hardly played yet.

even when he is fit he is a KPP it may take him a while to develop, so we need him fit so that development can happen.

Would love to see him getting a game soon,

whats the expected return??

[TheBrownDog]

how far away is mitch? besides berger he has been our highest, most promising pick for ages and has hardly played yet.

even when he is fit he is a KPP it may take him a while to develop, so we need him fit so that development can happen.

Would love to see him getting a game soon,

whats the expected return??

One more week off I reckon and he'll be available to play.

Will have a couple of runs for Suncoast first I'd reckon. He would have lost some aerobic fitness with this injury.

Maybe Rnd 8-9 is feasible for senior selection.

[konstas_87]

do you reckon theyll slot him in to CHF or give him a run at FF for a couple of weeks first? hes still a young body after all.

[xplo]

I'd think they'd start him on the bench, and look to slot him into a forward pocket once things settle down a bit. He's a good mover, so I could see him spending 10 minutes at a time on a wing if the forward line was already working well.

[Vidman]

Mitchell Clark (leg) - 1-2 weeks

according to the age - 01/05/07

[xplo]

New injury. Hip. Severity unknown.

[Monster]

Will he play for suncoast this week?

[Brettox]

Better trade him to the Dockers for 2 first round draft picks before he becomes untradeable

[TheBrownDog]

Better trade him to the Dockers for 2 first round draft picks before he becomes untradeable

We'll just hold onto him if its okay.

[xplo]

Will he play for suncoast this week?

From all reports, yes, as will Leunenberger,

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21710099-5003410,00.html)

Mitch Clark will line up for the Suncoast Lions against Zillmere at the Gabba in the curtain raiser to the Lions-Crows clash.
Clark, taken at pick nine in 2005, burst on to the scene in his first season last year, starting the year in the seniors and proving a goal-scoring threat as well as a handy back-up to ruckman Jamie Charman. But a bout of osteitis pubis also wrecked his season.
Allan believes time will show Clark was a great choice, saying he went into the national under-18s carnival as many experts' tip as the No. 1 pick. "He played senior footy at East Fremantle before he was drafted. He didn't really have the best carnival but you can get carried away with carnival form," he said.
"Coming back to under-18s from playing men didn't work, but we knew he was a good player."
Should he stay injury free, Clark is a certainty to force his way into the senior side before long, where he would form a devastating partnership with Jonathan Brown.
"He's smart and will play well with Brownie," Allan said.
"He knows how to play alongside him."


http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7686/clarkzl2.jpg

[Raav]

Cannot wait for this kid to get his chance.
With Bradders out he is a good chance to rack up the experience.

[TheBrownDog]

Watched him train today, looks good to go.

He's absolutely incredible overhead with his sticky hands.

[BigCat2]

Watched him train today, looks good to go.

He's absolutely incredible overhead with his sticky hands.

So when he's right to go, we can play Browny at CHF without worrying who to kick the ball to after he's got it!

[Quigley]

I know a lot of guys on here have big wraps and I hope he lives up to them. For me I am not sold yet mainly because we have seen so little of him. Willing to give him a good look but I am not willing to say we have another Reiwoldt or Pavlich on our hands. I must admit though last year I was hoping for us to pick Hurn or Birchall but I will give you that Clark looks to have as much potential as either of those two if he can keep on the field.

[LuckyLuke]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21710099-5003410,00.html)



http://i7.tinypic.com/5zduc11.jpg

Is that a tat on his arm or just a grass stain?

[TheBrownDog]

Is that a tat on his arm or just a grass stain?

Tattoo, I believe it is his grandfather's name.

[Ted]

Tattoo, I believe it is his grandfather's name.

That's a great idea. Avoids those embarrassing Christmas moments when the whole family is together at the table and you want grandpa to pass the cranberry sauce but you can't remember who he is.

:thumbsu:

[Raav]

Hope he gets in soon. Hanging to see him play.

[irel]

http://www.sportal.com.au/football.asp?i=news&id=99046


Lions' Clark a chance to return
by: Marc Fox
Sportal


Teenage forward Mitch Clark will come into consideration for his first match of 2007 after a stint on the sidelines with osteitis pubis, according to Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews.

Matthews is being tempted into making an exception to his usual guidelines on picking players coming back from long-term injury because of Clark's extraordinary kicking display in the reserves on Sunday.

The Lions mentor prefers returning squad members to have played at least one full game in the seconds before coming into the mix for the seniors, but that rule might be thrown out the window this weekend against Collingwood at the Gabba.

Clark, the No.9 pick in the 2005 draft, is knocking down Matthews' door to partner an increasingly frustrated Jonathan Brown up forward after kicking 6.6 and two out of bounds on the full for the Suncoast Lions in just three quarters of his second game back.

"Next week you'd think they (Clark and fellow returnee Matthew Leuenberger) would pretty much be ready to play a full game but whether they're ready to play senior level … it's a very different level of tempo and conditioning required," Matthews wondered.

The coach's pressing concern is how to inject fresh ideas into a forward line which has booted 9.15 and 8.15 over the preceding rounds with Brown kicking just three goals in those encounters.

Clark, at 198cm, will certainly come into contention, as will Chris Johnson who missed the defeat to the Bombers with a foot complaint while Joel Patfull could revert to his usual position after a specialist tagging role on Scott Lucas against the Bombers.

But Matthews knows forward personnel is only one aspect of the solution and revealed that he would be working specifically on positioning this week with his young defensive group, particularly the movement of spare men from the back.

"On Saturday for big parts of the game we had one target player and if you have one target player then you open yourselves up," said Matthews. "All their defenders just pretty much ignore their direct opponents and just go to Browny."

"Browny's still been magnificent in the air - they didn't mark the ball against him, the ball came to ground. But unfortunately their defence gravitates to the ground level ball whereas our forwards just didn't seem to get there."

"It doesn't matter how good one player is you can't beat two or three opponents. Browny was competing against three half the time."

"You just can't go to one player 90 per cent of your forward entries. Unfortunately that's what we do a bit too often."

"The ground level crumbing within our team is another aspect we have to continually try to get better at," he added.

Matthews, who said the Lions season is now 'backs to the wall', rated midfield duo Cheynee Stiller (ankle) and Michael Rischitelli (knee) as 50/50 to return on Saturday while co-captain Simon Black will play his 200th AFL game.

"Simon is enormously respected," said Matthews. "That combination of respect and affection, Simon has got both of those."

"He's a delight to deal with in all facets."

[BigCat2]

Interesting article irel. No direct quote from Leigh that Mitch may come in, but the question is thrown out there certainly. Would be good to see him get selected soon.

[Quigley]

I agree that there were a few interesting comments from Leigh in the article most interesting for me being the ones not about Clark. Matthews was lumping Clark and Berger together when talking about being ready for senior football this week. Is Berger closer to a debut than we expect?

Also the comments about the forward line seem to indicate that Leigh is more than a little knaffed off with the mids pumping long and not picking out available targets and with the small forwards for not making it to the fall of the ball. If he is making those kinds of comments in the media you can bet he is tearing strips off the walls in the locker room.

[Vidman]

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Mills, Merrett, Johnson
HB: Adcock, Drummond, Copeland
C: Selwood, Lappin, Stiller
HF: Sherman, Brown, Notting
F: Rischitelli, Patfull, McGrath
FOLL: Charman, Black, Power
I/C: Hadley, Clark, McDonald, Fixter
EM: Roe, Brennan, Begley
IN: Clark, Mills, Johnson, Sherman, Fixter

[Grimreepah]

I'm trying not to put too much expectation on Clark's shoulders. He is a young key position player who has played 6 games and is coming back (perhaps a little underdone) from a long term injury. Even if he doesn't get a whole lot of it, but can free Browny up then I'll be relatively happy.

[weevil]

I'm trying not to put too much expectation on Clark's shoulders. He is a young key position player who has played 6 games and is coming back (perhaps a little underdone) from a long term injury. Even if he doesn't get a whole lot of it, but can free Browny up then I'll be relatively happy.Yep, it’s as much about the long term as the short. We gotta get as many games into him as we can.

[lionbear]

Hoping he can play a large portion of the remainder of the year. We will look the goods next year with Brown, Bradshaw and Clark making up our Forward Line.

It's good to see him back:thumbsu:

[BigCat2]

I'm genuinely excited by Mitch's inclusion this. Not that I'm expecting him to kick 5 goals (although it would be nice), but a) I'll get to see him in action, and b) Browny will have a chance.

Bring it on!

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=385155)

Clark, Johnson crucial for Lions

24th May 2007, 17:02 WST

Injury-plagued teenager Mitch Clark has been earmarked as the player to provide much-needed support for key Brisbane Lions forward Jonathan Brown against Collingwood on Saturday night.Clark, 19, will make his AFL season debut against the Pies at the Gabba after being one of five new faces added to the Lions' side by coach Leigh Matthews.
Lions' champion midfielder Simon Black, who will celebrate his 200th game against Collingwood, expected big things from Clark despite his shaky AFL career start.
The 2005 Draft first-round selection played only six games last season due to osteitis pubis.
But his reserves form has been so impressive this year that Matthews has broken his own "rule of thumb" and fast-tracked the recovering Clark's comeback.
Matthews prefers players to have at least two full reserves games before being considered for the Lions.
Despite not playing a full game to date, Clark has forced Matthews' hand with scintillating reserves form, including a six-goal performance last weekend.
Clark has been added to the Lions team along with Wayde Mills, veteran Chris Johnson, Justin Sherman and Ben Fixter.
Black hoped Clark would provide welcome relief to Brown, who has been double and triple teamed in recent matches.


http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8016/clarkpo8.jpg

[lionsrock9]

Does anyone know is his 20m sprint time

[notting18]

As a melbourne based fan i look forward to getting a chance to have a look at Clark...its been too long!

[Quigley]

He is a legit forward that the Pies are going to have to cover. If they don't he is more than capable of kicking a bag. It should present another option and free up Brown.

[Lace Out]

Whatever this guy can put out will be the key for the Lions' finals aspirations IMO.

If he can get some respect and draw one or two opposition talls our forward line should be able to function a whole lot better.

[Lace Out]

Is that a tat on his arm or just a grass stain?
Has anyone seen the tattoo on his back?

He has the word "CLARK" running vertically the length of his spine in huge letters.

Presumably there if he forgets his name?

[The Flying Belgian]

Has anyone seen the tattoo on his back?

He has the word "CLARK" running vertically the length of his spine in huge letters.

Presumably there if he forgets his name?

It's why he has the nickname "CLARKO" amongst some...

[blynd_freddie]

I tend to recall seeing a wonderful photo of Mitch, taken at a SCL game last year, with his surname in “ye ol’English” running down his spine, I think this must have been taken the week before last years Pies game at the G, as Mitch also had written in on the inside of his wrist MCG. Unfortunately he didn’t make the trip last year. I hope he makes the most of tonight’s game against the filth. Kick ar$e Mitch.:thumbsu:

[Sherminator.]

His kicking is pretty ugly, but he has kicked 4.2 in total early into the 4th quarter. :)

[Grimreepah]

Well done Clark:thumbsu:

5.2 was a fantastic effort in your first game for almost a year. Despite the loss this is a massive positive for the Lions.

[weevil]

Wow, performed well and truly above expectations. Is going to be a superstar - but we all knew that already.

[Sherminator.]

Wow, performed well and truly above expectations. Is going to be a superstar - but we all knew that already.
Yeah, 5.2 is a classy effort, one of his kicks was a shocker. If he works on his kicking at training, against Richmond, he could probaly kick another 3-5. :) :thumbsu:

I mentioned he is a chance to get a Rising Star Nomination in the first 4 rounds, it'd be hard to earn it this week, but if performs well and truly next week, I will have proved some people wrong with my guess.

I have high expectations in Clarko, he is our Buddy! :D

[Grimreepah]

People were saying that the 2005 draft was poor, but I think there are a lot of quality prospects: Murphy, Thomas, Pendleburry, Ryder, Clark, Higgins, Jones, Hurn, Birchall and Swallow have all been very impressive.

[Lace Out]

Looked great.Sticky hands and a good footy brain.If you had have pencilled his 5 goals before the game it was going to be a definite win for us-not to be but the forward line looks to have a future.

[Lynch takes a mark]

People were saying that the 2005 draft was poor, but I think there are a lot of quality prospects: Murphy, Thomas, Pendleburry, Ryder, Clark, Higgins, Jones, Hurn, Birchall and Swallow have all been very impressive.

Yep

the first round of the draft has so far produced some very good players, all of the above look to be above average players

[delirious1]

Thinking brown was probably double teamed and left clark without much respect, but made them pay, he looks like a player:thumbsu:

[Vidman]

Thinking brown was probably double teamed and left clark without much respect, but made them pay, he looks like a player:thumbsu:

I remember watching the forward line as the ball was about to come in, and Bronwy was 'screening' for Mitch. I thought that was pretty classy. He'd already got four though so not sure if it was an adjustment or the strategy for the night. Actually it looked like Brown wasnt double teamed much from where i saw.

[LuckyLuke]

Mitch is a big boy too! There was a shot on the TV (vs Collingwood) where Mitch was waking beind Browny and i was thinking "Geez, Browny has really beefed up his sholders this year... and GEEZ! Mitch must have been working out with browny too! Good shape for a 19 y.o.

[BigCat2]

I remember watching the forward line as the ball was about to come in, and Bronwy was 'screening' for Mitch. I thought that was pretty classy. He'd already got four though so not sure if it was an adjustment or the strategy for the night. Actually it looked like Brown wasnt double teamed much from where i saw.

No Browny wasn't double teamed as much. Last night he played more like a true CHF, where he'd collect the ball 60-70m out from goal then send it forward. It's also harder to drop back and double team someone when they're up the ground.

[Kochie 16]

Now i realise why TBD rated him so highly! And now i do to! Does anyone else rekon he might get the rising star nomination this week?

[The Flying Belgian]

Now i realise why TBD rated him so highly! And now i do to! Does anyone else rekon he might get the rising star nomination this week?

Nah, he'll have to put a few good weeks together before they give one to him. It's the way it seems to work now..

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=44076) (warning - AFL.com link)


Young gun’s return a positive out of loss


THE SEASON debut of Brisbane Lions young gun Mitch Clark was a bright spot amid the disappointment of a 33-point loss to arch rival Collingwood – and the player himself is hopeful the best is yet to come. Clark, whose first season at the Gabba was limited to six senior games because of osteitis pubis, was making his first appearance of 2007 against the Magpies, having suffered a knee injury in the pre-season. His return had been eagerly anticipated and he didn't let Lions fans down, kicking two goals in each of the second and third quarters, en route to a career-best haul of five majors. "I still think I'm two or three weeks away from full fitness," Clark told lions.com.au after the match. "I'm just grateful that I got the chance tonight, played mostly out of the square, had room in front of me to lead into and that our class midfield was able to hit me up. "I was a bit nervous but once the first goal went through I got my confidence back. It was good to get through the game unscathed and get a few touches." Like all of his teammates, Clark was bitterly disappointed that the Lions weren't able to celebrate Simon Black's 200th game with a win - particularly given Black, who racked up 37 possessions, had an excellent night. "Blacky's another Perth boy and we're from the same club (East Fremantle)," Clark said. "[Collingwood] just seemed to have more numbers around the ball and we couldn't get enough of it." With a crowd of 32, 225 at the Gabba for the showdown between the long-time rivals, Clark, unsurprisingly, said the atmosphere was a bit different to when he turned out for the Suncoast Lions at Redland a week ago. But a couple of early missed set shots aside, the 19-year-old showed few outward signs of nerves. Playing alongside gun centre half-forward Jonathan Brown, Clark looked every bit the second tall attacking option the Lions have been craving in the absence of Daniel Bradshaw. "[The big crowd] is exciting. I don't think it's daunting. It's great to play in front of our fans and so many people. That's what I moved to Brisbane for," Clark said. "Obviously it's a bit different than playing at Redlands. I copped a bit of a bagging down there! "Playing alongside Browny is terrific. He's a great teacher, a great leader, is very encouraging and makes you feel really comfortable out there."

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4427/clarkoj4.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=385860)

Clark shining light for Lions

27th May 2007, 13:51 WST

Five goals on AFL season debut should make any injury-plagued teenager ecstatic.But comeback kid Mitch Clark found it hard to crack a smile after his heroics failed to help Brisbane Lions celebrate champion midfielder Simon Black's 200th AFL game with victory.
Clark overcame some early nerves to become a welcome forward target alternative to co-captain Jonathan Brown against Collingwood at the Gabba.
His five-goal display drew praise from both coaches - not a bad effort by a 19-year-old limited to just seven AFL games due to injury.
However, a modest Clark wondered whether he would even earn a senior recall next weekend after Brisbane crashed to a 33-point loss to the Pies - the Lions' third straight defeat.
"I have no idea (about being selected again), we had a loss so anything can happen," Clark said.
"Hopefully I can because I want to be a part of us going forward.
"It's very satisfying (five goals) but I am annoyed we couldn't get the win for Blacky.
"Blacky's another Perth boy and we're from the same club (East Fremantle)."
No doubt Clark will earn another nod after finally overcoming injury to emerge as a second tall attacking option the Lions have been yearning for since the season-ending injury to Daniel Bradshaw this year.
Lions' 2005 top draft pick Clark played just six games in his debut AFL season last year due to osteitis pubis then suffered a knee injury in the 2007 pre-season.
Clark was finally unleashed by coach Leigh Matthews at the Gabba and kept Brisbane in the hunt before Collingwood kicked clear in the fourth quarter.
In a frightening thought for rival defenders, Clark said he was only going to get better.
"I still think I'm two or three weeks away from full fitness," he said.
"It was just good to be out there again. It has been a long wait.
"I was a bit nervous, but as soon as the first goal went through I got my confidence up and the boys got behind me."
One of his biggest supporters is Brown who is clearly relishing a chance to groom the hot AFL property.
"He's a great teacher, a great leader. He's very encouraging, makes you feel very comfortable - it's great to be alongside him," Clark said of Brown.
Clark hopes to make opposition sides pay when they attempt to double-team Brown, as rivals have done this season in a bid to stifle the Lions colossus.
"That's the good thing about Browny, he tracks two players so obviously one of us is free," he said.
"If the midfield is good enough they can hit us up."
Matthews said Clark was a shining light in a gloomy night for Brisbane (4-5 record).
"Mitch Clark was good. That was promising having a couple of target forwards. (But) we really couldn't find enough scorers (against Collingwood)," he said.
Even Pies coach Mick Malthouse dipped his hat to Clark.
"He played very well, and Brown is obviously one of the premier forwards in the competition.
"We had 11 goal kickers and they had six but that doesn't mean our forward line is better - but we did spread it pretty well."
Meanwhile, Brisbane is sweating on the fitness of small forward Ash McGrath (knee).

[weevil]

Now i realise why TBD rated him so highly! And now i do to! Does anyone else rekon he might get the rising star nomination this week?He’s not the only one who has been on that bandwagon. Think you’d find it a lot easier to count the number of lions people who don’t rate him top shelf.

[Sherminator.]

By the sounds of it Mitch has a very modest personality, I like that. He seems to have a big future, and it looks to be in Brisbane. May another legendary West Australian grace the field for the Lions for anotehr decade.

I have rated him very highly since he was drafted to Brisbane and I can see a veyr potent forward line consisting of Brown, Bradshaw and Clark next year. But I'll raise and old question I've asked in the past, if Clark continues to play as such, where does this put Patfull?

[BigCat2]

I have rated him very highly since he was drafted to Brisbane and I can see a veyr potent forward line consisting of Brown, Bradshaw and Clark next year. But I'll raise and old question I've asked in the past, if Clark continues to play as such, where does this put Patfull?

As a utility tall, 'Mr Fix It' a la Martin Pike (although not at that level yet).

[Vidman]

But I'll raise and old question I've asked in the past, if Clark continues to play as such, where does this put Patfull?

Well what are the odds that Brown, Clark and Bradshaw play the whole season together? I'd say that the majority of the time in modern football one or more of those will be injured/suspended/out of form, so it leaves patfull as still in the team, or he converts to a defender, or he plays as the third forward and Bradshaw becomes the defender. We cant complain about having too many options!

[Chasing the Dream]

He’s not the only one who has been on that bandwagon. Think you’d find it a lot easier to count the number of lions people who don’t rate him top shelf.


I am on the Clark bandwagon. Got on board early after last season's NAB Cup.

At the moment I am very content with my dirty jumper purchase from last season;)

[Grimreepah]

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/7427/clarklc0.jpg

[crowsarethebest]

He is bloody massive. Geez, Brown and Clark will be intimidating for defenders. He was rated number one, ahead of Murphy but his champs performance really made him slide. He will be great for you guys.

[OneEyedHawk]

Looked fantastic the other night. Dodgy, but seemingly effective, kicking style...in any case kicking style's can be remedied. More importantly than that, he seems a great one-grab mark, a rare commodity these days.:thumbsu:

[xplo]

As a utility tall, 'Mr Fix It' a la Martin Pike (although not at that level yet).

Exactly. He could end up a wing or a forward flank. Maintaining possession is critical, so anyone who can move and take a good grab is an asset.

[CoZi36]

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21812790-23211,00.html

Congratulations to Mitchell, played a great game on Saturday night and the nomination as we know is well deserved. I hope we re-sign him soon, so important for our future. Well done mate.

[Grimreepah]

Article (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21812790-23211,00.html)

Lions cub named Rising Star

May 29, 2007
BRISBANE Lions youngster Mitchell Clark has won the AFL Rising Star nomination for round nine, as reward for his five-goal haul against Collingwood at the weekend.
The emerging ruck-forward, playing his first game of the season, has played just seven AFL matches since making his debut early last year.
The 198cm Clark, originally from Western Australia, battled groin problems for much of last year.

Link (http://www.afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=44175) (warning - Afl.com link)

NAB AFL Rising Star: Clark's sudden impact

By Catherine Murphy, Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network
News

AFTER a year out of AFL, Mitch Clark made a memorable return for Brisbane, booting five goals against Collingwood at the Gabba and earning the round nine nomination for the AFL NAB Rising Star Award. Although the Lions didn’t take home the four points, Clark said he was happy just to be playing football again after battling the debilitating groin injury, osteitis pubis.

“It was just great to get my hands on the footy again,” Clark said.

“Unfortunately we didn’t come away with a win but it was just great to be part of it all again.

“Moving over from Perth was a bit daunting, not knowing anyone but the boys have been great and they were great again on Saturday night. They made me feel very comfortable, I felt as if they were confident in me.”

Clark was regarded as one of the most promising ruckmen/forward in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft. He was the Lions first round selection - No.9 overall - in the draft after being recruited from East Fremantle.

He made his debut for Brisbane in round one last year against Geelong, but his season was hampered by osteitis pubis.

The 19-year-old has groin surgery at the end of last year and a knee injury sustained before the NAB Pre-season Cup further delayed his return to competitive action.

He admits that coping with injury set-backs away from home is difficult.

“You don’t have the support of your family and friends around you, you do have them on the phone but you can’t just go home and chat to your mum and dad about it face to face,” he said. “But that’s part of playing AFL and I love it up here so if that’s what you’ve got to do then that’s what you’ve got to do.”

The East Fremantle recruit has also achieved success in other codes. He was offered an Australian Institute of Sport volleyball scholarship but declined to pursue his dream of playing AFL.

“It was great to be offered it (the scholarship) but footy’s where my heart is and I’ve always wanted to play AFL and I’ve been lucky enough to get the chance,” Clark said.

Clark, who stands at 198cm and weighs 91kg, said forward Jonathan Brown constantly being double-teamed helps increase his, and his teammates chances of achieving a good goal tally.

“That’s one of the great things about Browny, he sacrifices his game so that someone else can get free. Getting double-teamed obviously isn’t good for him but hopefully it means that whoever’s free in the forward line can kick a few goals,” Clark said. “He’s all about the team, that’s why he’s one of the leaders.

“He’s great to have around. He’s a great teacher and helps you out a lot and I know if I need to work on any part of my game I can go to him and he’s quite happy to help.”

Clark admits that he was more than a little anxious playing his first game of the season, after such a long spell away from the game. He was matched-up on Nick Maxwell, Harry O’Brien and Simon Prestigiacomo.

“As you could see from some of my kicking I was quite nervous. I’m still a bit rusty but hopefully I can work on that during the week,” he said.

“When the first one (goal) went through, it got my confidence up. Fortunately the boys kept looking for me and I managed to get a few more touches.”

Clark, who has played seven games for the Lions, says he still has a way to go before returning to full fitness.

“I’ll be taking it a week at a time, that’s my first game in a year so I can’t get ahead of myself,” he admitted. “This is just one game. I’m quite confident in my body at the moment but I’ve obviously got a few weeks to go to get my match fitness to where I want it to be.”

Mitchell is the Brisbane Lions’ second nomination for the AFL NAB Rising Star this season following ruckman Cam Wood in Round Two.

http://i9.tinypic.com/6b4ljea.jpg

[POBT]

Congrats Mitch.

A bag of goals by a young tall forward tends get the attention of the judges. I think Nathan Ablett got nominated on the basis of a 5 goal performance.

[irel]

http://www.sportal.com.au/football.asp?i=news&id=99476

Clark named rising star
Sportal


Impressive Brisbane tall Mitchell Clark's five-goal haul against Collingwood on Saturday night has earned him the round nine NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

Clark, playing his first game for 2007, had 10 possessions and seven marks against the Magpies in the Lions 33-point loss.

He was pitted against Nick Maxwell, Harry O'Brien and Simon Prestigiacomo as Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse searched for a stopper.

The 19-year-old is expected to develop into a key player for the Lions, sharing his time between the ruck and up forward.

Mitchell debuted in round one last year, against Geelong, and scored a goal with his first kick in the big time.

He managed six games in his maiden season before it was brought to an abrupt end by osteitis pubis after 10 weeks.

The clash with the Magpies was his first senior match for 2007.

Clark was Brisbane's first selection in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft - selection nine overall - and overcame a bout of meningococcal disease before being taken by the Lions.

The 198cm Clark was recruited from the Riverton Football Club in suburban Perth and also played with East Fremantle.

He represented Western Australia in the 2003 NAB AFL under-16 championships and the 2005 NAB AFL under-18 Championships.

Clark is the Brisbane Lions' second nomination this season after ruckman Cam Wood got the nod in Round Two.

[TheBrownDog]

Shows over folks.

Apparently we are trading him to the Eagles for a pick worse than the one we drafted him with.

The BigFooty Main Board never lies.

[Sherminator.]

My premature expectations have worked! :) :thumbsu:

Well done Mitch, legend in the making. May he spank Richmond this weekend. :thumbsu:

[Ruse]

Shows over folks.

Apparently we are trading him to the Eagles for a pick worse than the one we drafted him with.

The BigFooty Main Board never lies.
haven't been to the mainboard yet but i thought judd was a number 3 pick?

[Vipertooth]

My premature expectations have worked! :) :thumbsu:

Well done Mitch, legend in the making. May he spank Richmond this weekend. :thumbsu:

Along with Brown who regains his best goal kicking :D :thumbsu:

[Kochie 16]

Now i realise why TBD rated him so highly! And now i do to! Does anyone else rekon he might get the rising star nomination this week?
I called it!:cool:

[lionbear]

My premature expectations have worked! :) :thumbsu:

Well done Mitch, legend in the making. May he spank Richmond this weekend. :thumbsu:

Can't wait to see him in action against the Tigers. Will be able to have a good look at him as I will be atending. Great he got the Rising Star nomination think it was well earned hoping he can out together a lot more games this year and really get som KM's in the tank.