Mitch Clark #2 (2006 - 2011) [Archive]

Grimreepah

25 Aug 2011, 17:55

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/6116/clarkz.jpg

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/MitchClark1)

Summary:

Thread #1 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=293180)

* rising star nomination: round 9 vs Collingwood (#86 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7672896&postcount=86))
* 2007 review (#135 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9424417&postcount=135))
* becoming a father (#298 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11538518&postcount=298))
* 2008 review (#305 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=12948804&postcount=305))
* 40 man All Australian squad (#465 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=15587962&postcount=465))
* 2009 review (#481 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16629448&postcount=481))
* 50th game (#533 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=17389659&postcount=533))
* 2010 review (#635 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=19333956&postcount=635))
* added to leadership group (#733 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=20444903&postcount=733))
* nasty knock to the head (#743 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=20513407&postcount=743))
* GWS rumours (#860 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=21544082&postcount=860))
* collision with Brown (#869 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=21653045&postcount=869))

Thread #2

* leading goalkicker for the year (#20 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=22133822&postcount=20))
* requests trade to Fremantle (#32 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=22212958&postcount=32))
* 2011 review (#71 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=22307427&postcount=71))
* reasons for wanting to go to Freo (#77 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=22459442&postcount=77))
* agrees to 4 year deal with Melbourne (#99 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=22614662&postcount=99))

Merrett-Murray Medal results:

2006: =35th (2 votes)
2007: =30th (4.5 votes)
2008: =19th (13 votes)
2009: 3rd (54 votes)
2010: 14th (19 votes)
2011: 16th (15 votes)

Coach's votes:

2010 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=19105247&postcount=56): 4
2011 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=22443663&postcount=59): 16

Mike Sheahan's Top 50:

2009 (e) (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/whos-mike-sheahans-no1/story-e6frf9jf-1225782137847): 24
2010 (s) (http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2010/03/24/135951_afl.html): 40

Tribunal record:

* round 3, 2010 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=17401975&postcount=539) - striking (225 demerit points reduced to one week and 68.75 points)

TheBrownDog

29 Aug 2011, 16:51

Where has all this talk of a 750k a year offer from GWS come from?

cotter101

29 Aug 2011, 17:07

Based on some of his performances this year I think he should have retired instead of Power;) But he needs to be able to roam the ground like he did when we smashed adelaide.

MacMum

29 Aug 2011, 18:30

I'll be glad when all this speculation is over and we know where we stand with Mitch..

Stop dilly dallying Mitch and make a decision...YOUR OWN decision, where you want to be!..

Duritz

29 Aug 2011, 20:56

No way should he paid $750K under a normal salary cap. If that's what he were asking from Brisbane then they'd have to let him go. No way would the club pay that. But I haven't read anywhere that that's what he's asking of Brisbane.

I'd be happy for him to be on $500K with us.

Discussion Thread: How much $$$ would you pay to keep Clark? (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=852377&highlight=Clark)

Grimreepah

30 Aug 2011, 16:28

From Mitch Clark's manager's website:

Fremantle to enter race for Lion Clark (http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/08/30/fremantle-to-enter-race-for-lion-clark/)
By Kim Hagdorn
30 August 2011 02:09PM EST

Harvey unveiled his plans to scour the AFL for a key forward to resume his premiership drive next season after Fremantle's 2011 finals bid was scuttled with a crippling injury toll.
“Once he makes a decision what he wants to do then you certainly entertain that,” Harvey said.
“I haven’t heard exactly what he’s doing at this stage, but if he wants to come home then we’ve certainly got to pursue that and have a look at him.”

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9140/clark83.jpg

Grimreepah

31 Aug 2011, 12:26

Brett Burton injury update (http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/122293/default.aspx)

Mitch had minor clean-up surgery in his knee last week. The recovery time is generally around four weeks, so it won't interrupt his pre-season.

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/9755/clark66.jpg

Special88

1 Sep 2011, 18:29

GWS will announce a few of their signings on Monday. Fair to say Clark will be one of them?

TheBrownDog

1 Sep 2011, 19:01

GWS will announce a few of their signings on Monday. Fair to say Clark will be one of them?

Not according to his manager.

PertRoosOsborne

1 Sep 2011, 19:36

Already the second roster watch thread for Mitch....says a lot about how this fella divides opinion!

Surly Boy

2 Sep 2011, 08:33

Clark Looks West (http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/122486/default.aspx)

"The Australian reports today though that "neither Clark nor Greater Western Sydney want a future relationship" and that Clark is poised to join Fremantle on a "lucrative" deal with Clark seeking a contract worth "more than $500,000 a season"."

"An indication of Clark's future may rest with Clark's parents. They are returning to Western Australia after living Queensland for several years"

Discussion Thread: Clark to Fremantle trade discussion (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=865682)

Grimreepah

2 Sep 2011, 19:00

Mitch Clark's manager's website

Clark holds off Fremantle (http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/09/02/clark-holds-off-fremantle/)
By Kim Hagdorn
2 September 2011 02:02PM EST

Clark is hot on Fremantle’s shopping list as a key forward after being told by Dockers coach Mark Harvey that the struggling West Australian outfit can win a premiership if Clark joins the portside club.
Young met with Voss in Brisbane on Thursday when it is understood Clark was delcared a "required player" by the Lions boss. Young revealed that his meeting with Voss was highly encouraging.
"The meeting went really well," he told sportsnewsfirst.com.au.
"We will take all the relevant information away and consider it for the next few days and Mitch will also talk with 'Vossy' at their meeting.
"Mitch will weigh everything up and have a big decision to make.
"We would expect to make a final decision by about late next week."

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/9002/clark73.jpg

Grimreepah

2 Sep 2011, 19:06

Rob Kerr (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/the-dockers-have-room-within-salary-cap-to-accommodate-mitch-clark/story-e6frg7mf-1226127655461)

Lions' list manager Rob Kerr yesterday said Brisbane had not given up hope of retaining Clark."Col (Young) and I talk regularly," Kerr said. "I'm not certain whether he'll be with us, but we haven't given up on it.
"The lure of him returning home is not a fait accompli."
"I'm in dialogue with both Mitch and his manager and I'd expect a decision within the next couple of weeks," Kerr said.

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/760/clark37.jpg

Grimreepah

2 Sep 2011, 19:12

Terry Wallace (http://www.watoday.com.au/afl/afl-news/boom-or-bust-the-way-forward-for-fremantle-20110901-1jnwl.html)

"Trading for Mitch Clark is definitely something Fremantle should be looking at. He's a guy who is already playing and can help Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands in the next couple of seasons.

"But he'll also still be playing in five years when Fyfe and Anthony Morabito have got up around that 100-game mark."

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/8518/clark62.jpg

Monster

2 Sep 2011, 19:14

I recon supporters have been a bit harsh on Mitch this year, looks like he has had injury issues and he has been a member of a forward line that hasn't exactly had a huge amount of inside 50's to work with.

I for one hope he signs a new contract with the lions

Cousin Jed

2 Sep 2011, 19:26

Clark is hot on Fremantle’s shopping list as a key forward after being told by Dockers coach Mark Harvey that the struggling West Australian outfit can win a premiership if Clark joins the portside club.

I loled

Dylan12

2 Sep 2011, 23:45

Further to the quote in Jed's post above...Freo are absolutely kidding themself if they think Clark is the answer to their forward line problems or rather the key position forward they are lacking...have they actually watched him 'try' to play the position? The guy has absolutely no idea. If Freo were serious, they would have better luck bringing in Fevola and get more out of him than Clark.

This is not sour grapes, but Clark just is not a key position forward. Of course I would rather keep Clark at the Lions, not as a forward, but I have been resigned to losing him for the better part of the year, I just think its cute that Freo think someone as petulant, selfish, and prone to go missing when the chips are down player in Clark is the missing piece in bringing the club closer to a premiership...as Jed said, what a laugh!

PertRoosOsborne

3 Sep 2011, 19:25

So where do we play him if we keep him....CHB?

BlackCaviar

3 Sep 2011, 23:18

Grimreepah

4 Sep 2011, 04:48

The Brisbane Lions leading goal kickers for 2011:

Clark 27 (1.6 average)
McGrath 26 (1.2)
Banfield 24 (1.3)
Brown 22 (2.2)
Power 19 (0.9)
Karnezis 17 (1.5)
Redden 14 (0.6)
Polkinghorne 14 (0.6)
Rich 14 (0.9)
Rockliff 12 (0.6)

Grimreepah

6 Sep 2011, 21:40

Clark can be final piece of Freo jigsaw (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/opinion/post/-/blog/raywilson/post/270/comment/1/)
By Ray Wilson
September 6th, 2011, 11:25 am

If the midfield pieces fall into place, next year also should see Matthew Pavlich return as a permanent forward. But even with the skipper back in attack, there is one major link missing. Enter Mitch Clark. Strong and mobile, the Brisbane Lion would be the perfect fit for the Dockers. Forget Fevola!

With Pavlich at full-forward and Clark at centre half-forward, Fremantle would have sufficient strike-power in attack to worry any side.

The Dockers said this week they had been monitoring Clark, who has yet to re-sign with the Lions. If all the planets line up, Freo can give the flag a shake in 2012.

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/8710/clark64.jpg

Lionheart182

7 Sep 2011, 11:39

Grimreepah

7 Sep 2011, 12:55

Link (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/dockers/10203854/palmers-2m-headturner/) ....

Clark, also a target for GWS, is not expected to reveal his future until after the Lions' best and fairest this weekend but it is believed Brisbane want a first-round draft pick and a player as compensation.

Clark, 23, has played 82 games for the Lions since being taken at No.9 in the 2005 national draft. He had his best season in 2009 when, playing as a ruckman, he made the last 40 for the All-Australian squad.

It is understood he was the target of a $750,000 a year bid by GWS in their recruiting window last year but resisted, with his preference to return to WA. His current price could still be $600,000 a year.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/2843/clark44.jpg

Grimreepah

8 Sep 2011, 00:25

Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss has final shot at convincing Mitch Clark to sign new deal (http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/lions-last-chance-to-sway-clark/story-e6frepf6-1226131671554)

Greg Davis
From: The Courier-Mail
September 08, 2011 12:00AM

An announcement is expected early next week.
"Nothing will happen until after the best-and-fairest," Clark's manager Colin Young said yesterday.
"Michael (Voss) will speak to Mitch and Mitch will go to the best-and-fairest, have a think about it and make a decision after that."
Brisbane officials gave Young their latest offer to the East Fremantle product last week.
The Lions have been careful not to pressure Clark throughout the negotiation process but their patience is being tested.
Brisbane wanted to wind up talks before the end of the home-and-away season after Clark missed the final two matches due to injuries.
His recovery from those foot and knee problems is believed to be the reason for his rumoured no-show for Mad Monday celebrations.

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/8822/clarkv.jpg

Grimreepah

9 Sep 2011, 00:14

Dean Warren (http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/brisbane-lion-brent-staker-to-miss-all-of-2012/story-e6frepf6-1226132128820#)

"Absolutely. No doubt about that whatsoever," Lions general manager of football operations Dean Warren said when asked if the importance of talks with Clark had intensified following the Staker bombshell."Guys like Mitch Clark and Brent Staker are not easy to find. They are tall and very mobile and give you a fair bit of flexibility.
"It was very important (keeping Clark) even without it (the Staker news).
"But it does make keeping Mitch even more important."

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/4338/clark36.jpg

Loyal Lion

9 Sep 2011, 00:29

Dean Warren (http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/brisbane-lion-brent-staker-to-miss-all-of-2012/story-e6frepf6-1226132128820#)

No surprise in that statement. We just have to keep Clark now. Not at any cost though. His best years are definitely ahead of him.

Would love to see him play on the ball next year, in the old Ruck-Rover position ala Adam Goodes.

Lionheart182

9 Sep 2011, 02:31

Dean Warren (http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/brisbane-lion-brent-staker-to-miss-all-of-2012/story-e6frepf6-1226132128820#)

From that article:

If Clark cannot get to the Dockers via a trade, he could remain at the Gabba instead of throwing himself at the mercy of the draft.

Interesting. It now appears Mitch will only go for the right trade, puts us in an infinitely stronger position.

Damn I really wish this saga would just end though.

Cousin Jed

9 Sep 2011, 08:32

Its 2 years in a row he has seemingly demanded to be traded to Freo though.

That's not exactly a guy who you think is going to be playing great every week because he loves it here.

Discussion thread: "Players who wanted out but ended up staying long term" (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=868475)

cotter101

9 Sep 2011, 09:06

With Staker Injured losing Clark dose not make things easy.

Panthera

9 Sep 2011, 11:25

Gut feeling that he'll stay a Lion....not sure why :confused:

If he does, our spine next year could potentially be:

B Merrett

HB Clark

C Redden

HF Brown

F Cornelius

RU Black

Grimreepah

10 Sep 2011, 21:34

Dockers closer to securing Clark (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/afl/10231975/dockers-closer-to-securing-clark/)
The West Australian
September 10, 2011, 6:55 pm

Fremantle are expected to make a strong play for Mitch Clark with the Brisbane big man set to soon announce he is leaving the club. Clark is believed to have advised Lions officials of his decision this morning.

The Lions have conducted end-of-season reviews with players this week and Clark is understood to have discussed a trade with coach Michael Voss.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/1886/clark72.jpg

jackess

10 Sep 2011, 21:39

According to @AFLBrisbaneFC on twitter he told the club this morning that he wanted to leave.

MacMum

10 Sep 2011, 21:52

Oh dear:(..

..I think this would've been a hard decision for Mitch, torn between his family and going home or staying with us...

I hope it was like that anyway, and not just being a straight out tosser!

...do hope he finds some happiness back home..

Rally

10 Sep 2011, 22:46

Didn't make the top 10 in the B&F despite only missing a handful of matches. Might show where the club rates him after all.

Sammy94

10 Sep 2011, 23:09

http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/09/10/clark-confirms-move-from-brisbane/

Clark’s manager Colin Young confirmed on Saturday that the big Lion has asked to be traded out of Brisbane.

“Mitch has asked Michael Voss if Brisbane can arrange a trade for him,” Young told sportsnewsfirst.com.au.

“Mitch has thought carefully on his future plans and has decided he wants to look at all of his options.

“I will now work with Mitch, Brisbane and any option available to us to arrange the most suitable trade for him.”

luthor

10 Sep 2011, 23:14

Oh well...that's that then.:(

John

10 Sep 2011, 23:16

Couldn't care less.

Ceebee

10 Sep 2011, 23:19

Not happy Jan:thumbsd:

TheBrownDog

10 Sep 2011, 23:21

Bye :thumbsu:

Rally

10 Sep 2011, 23:27

Adios amigo. "Good riddance" is far too harsh, but I will say he is leaving on mutual terms.

Dylan12

10 Sep 2011, 23:41

If he nominates Freo, then the club must make them pay, if not, I would adopt the same approach St Kilda did with Luke Ball. **** him, let him get picked up by a club that is not in WA, do the tool no favours, he is hardly doing the club any when it clearly needs one.:thumbsd:

Grimreepah

11 Sep 2011, 00:20

Link (http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/brisbane-lions-make-demands-for-mitch-clark-trade-to-fremantle/story-e6frep5o-1226133757181) ....

Brisbane football manager Dean Warren said the Lions were keen to retain Clark but accepted his personal reasons for wanting to go home. The fact Clark has only nominated one club has made it difficult to get a deal done.

And given his importance to the side's structure, the scarcity of talls on Brisbane's list and the fact that Clark was a top 10 draft pick with five years invested in his development, a trade would not come cheap.

"We have to do what's best for our football club," Warren said.

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/5343/clark55.jpg

Duritz

11 Sep 2011, 01:28

Hope you read the thread Mitch... my little boy idolised you, one of his first terms was "Mitchum" for your name.

Now you're just a $$ chasing wannabe. You're a tall Dale Kickett... and I am intensely disappointed in your lack of charcater.

Duritz

11 Sep 2011, 01:29

Chops_a_must

11 Sep 2011, 01:30

He's not a patch on Dale Kickett.

Kickett was an absolute gun for us and probably the second best player for the club behind Pav.

Ron The Bear

11 Sep 2011, 07:38

This is not sour grapes, but Clark just is not a key position forward.

Agree. He's handy up there, but I'd love him at Richmond as first ruck, changing with Vickery. Some reports have us in the running, but I'm not sure we could match the first draft pick + gun youngster Brisbane are apparently requesting from Freo, on top of paying him ~$600K.

Old Den

11 Sep 2011, 07:55

So disappointing... Mitch. Amazingly sad about this. :thumbsd:

So true - Buckley aside,after the high hopes from the day we drafted him,the most disappointing outcome of all for me.

Surely we must trade for a replacement.

GingerGreatness

11 Sep 2011, 09:37

With Power initially wanting to stick fat as he (and lets face it, everyone) can see the potential in this group and that we're on the up, and Mitch still wants out, I can only say well done Dr Kerr for not selling the farm.

IMO this departure speaks volumes for our culture. :thumbsu:

Jubair

11 Sep 2011, 13:36

Jon Brown will be relieved. Both his facial injuries this year was caused when Clark was in the vacinity and IMO Clark was in a position to led away against Geelong or keep Mcpharlin away from the Brown contest by wrestling him against Freo..or I might have been too used to seeing Bradshaw, Brown and Lynch back and protect each other when they played toghether. In the forwardline, you dont let your direct opponent have a free run at your team mate trying to mark the ball, that is in the same category as giving off a hospital handball IMO. You either wrestle or slow down their momentum by casually getting in front of them when they run at your team mate without blocking their run too much.

cotter101

11 Sep 2011, 19:13

http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/123184/default.aspx

The Brisbane Lions AFC today confirmed forward Mitch Clark has requested a trade to enable him to return to his home state of Western Australia.

Clark, 23, made the request to Lions officials over the weekend.

wmoore

11 Sep 2011, 19:59

http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/09/10/clark-confirms-move-from-brisbane/
“I will now work with Mitch, Brisbane and any option available to us to arrange the most suitable trade for him.”This says "I want out of Brisbane" more than "I want to go home to WA".

Grimreepah

12 Sep 2011, 00:26

Link (http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/lions-legend-luke-power-to-play-on-with-greater-wester-sydney-giants-in-2012/story-e6frepf6-1226134262340) ....

In an unfortunate twist, Clark's image adorned the program cover at the club champion dinner and was featured on giant TV screens throughout the evening.

"I am disappointed for the players so when we sit down with Freo it will be representing them and leaving them in no way disadvantaged based on the enormous work they are putting in to turning things around," Voss said.

"After having a chat to him (Clark), he expressed to us his preference to go home so we'll look at it (the trade) but make sure we won't prejudice ourselves."

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/2640/clark80.jpg

cotter101

15 Sep 2011, 00:06

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/af...-1226137300852

Mitch Clark (Brisbane)

What is he worth? Definitely a top 10 draft pick but Freo won't have that and will have to come to the party with some juicy players.

Fremantle pay Matthew Pavlich, David Mundy and Aaron Sandilands huge amounts and then their payments tail off, so they will still have the $500,000 a year he is expected to want.

Grimreepah

15 Sep 2011, 12:13

Clark to start talks with Fremantle (http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/09/15/clark-to-start-talks-with-fremantle/)
By Kim Hagdorn
15 September 2011 11:40AM EST

Clark, 23, arrived back into Perth at midnight on Wednesday where he was met by a local television crew searching for news of his plans to join the struggling Dockers.

He is expected to play predominantly as a prime lead-up marking tall forward and has been earmarked by Dockers coach Mark Harvey as his side’s crucial cog to potentially engineer a premiership combination within the next two seasons.

He has meetings scheduled with Fremantle officials early next week to negotiate a contract, his initial length of time to play with the Dockers and early indications of just how his trade will be handled.

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/3059/clark79.jpg

ZoBlitz

15 Sep 2011, 12:44

Fatcat08

15 Sep 2011, 14:33

One thing I will miss next season is Sportsnewsfirst news articles about Mitch Clark. In this article these are my two favourites - "saviour in Fremantle's ambitious plans" and "impressive 2011 season".

I'd feel very dirty if I was the "journo" who wrote that.

Considering the site was started and run by Clark's manager I don't think should be paying too much attention to anything written there bar the facts, which in this case is Clark being in Perth to talk to the dockers.

Anything outside of that is sensationalism trying to drive up his price. Journalism is bad enough these days without the journalists being told what to write by agents.

POBT

15 Sep 2011, 15:42

One thing I will miss next season is Sportsnewsfirst news articles about Mitch Clark. In this article these are my two favourites - "saviour in Fremantle's ambitious plans" and "impressive 2011 season".

I'd feel very dirty if I was the "journo" who wrote that.
Every article references the fact that he was borderline All Australian in 2009 and that he was Brisbane's leading goalkicker. Talk about selective use of facts - it is like Kim Hagdorn is doing the Lions' negotiating on the BigFooty Drafts and Trading Board!

Fairley

15 Sep 2011, 18:46

Mark Harvey sacked - will this make a difference to Mitch's decision?

Grimreepah

15 Sep 2011, 18:59

Mark Harvey sacked - will this make a difference to Mitch's decision?

Wow, that's an unexpected spanner in the works.

Harvey seemed quite keen to get Clark. Clark's decision may well have been based on Freo being prepared to pay him more.

Milk Steak

15 Sep 2011, 19:00

Mark Harvey sacked - will this make a difference to Mitch's decision?

Shit aye, you'd have to think it might affect his chances. Wasn't Harvey a bit on his own in wanting Clark? Hopefully Freo dont want him as much and maybe get Richmond get back on the wagon.

Grimreepah

16 Sep 2011, 00:13

Clark arriving back in Perth yesterday.

Link (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1396971&l=ae0e8ffd66&id=198087696875068)

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/1245/clarky.jpg

angrylion1

16 Sep 2011, 09:27

I have a feeling Mitch Clark will struggle to get to fremantle now. Just dont see Ross Lyon sacrificing much for an inconsistent player like him.

My guess: Richmond/Saints

Rally

16 Sep 2011, 09:32

Is he gone yet? I'm over this.

Jubair

16 Sep 2011, 11:00

He looks quite happy now. Havent seen him smile like that for awhile, except for after kicking goals.

Sunny_

16 Sep 2011, 12:07

That would be unbelievable if Freo didn't want him now. :eek: Have to come crawling back? :D

Grimreepah

16 Sep 2011, 15:42

Clark's manager's website (http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/09/16/mitch-clark-a-priority-for-lyon/)

Mitch Clark a priority for Lyon
By Kim Hagdorn
16 September 2011 01:23PM EST

Lyon had made initial attempts to lure Clark to St Kilda before his shock departure, while Harvey had declared the potential big power forward as a crucial link in any premiership plan for Fremantle in the next two seasons.
Young was in contact with Dockers list manager Brad Lloyd as soon as Harvey’s dismissal and Lyon’s appointment broke on Thursday. “I spoke to Brad straight after all the new broke and he reaffirmed Fremantle’s strong interest in Mitchell Clark,” Young said.
“I will sit down with Brad and Fremantle football staff next week, as had been arranged before the change of coach.”
Voss is understood to still be making late attempts to keep Clark at Brisbane, but it appears the talented all-rounder is fully committed to his move back home.

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/1238/clark39.jpg

Grimreepah

16 Sep 2011, 15:59

Link (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/lyon-in-shock-switch-to-dockers-as-harvey-didnt-see-axe-coming/story-e6frg7mf-1226138239234) ....

Harvey is also understood to have had a different view to his list-management team about the club's future list.

Harvey was keen to recruit out-of-contract Brisbane forward Mitch Clark, but that view was not shared by some in his football department.

Link (http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/foxsportscomau-takes-a-close-look-at-the-dumping-of-mark-harvey-by-fremantle-and-ross-lyon-appointment/story-e6frf3e3-1226138737946)

One stumbling block between the two camps at Fremantle was recruiting. Harvey is understood to have had wantaway Brisbane Lions big man Mitch Clark in his sights while others were desperate to win the frenzied auction for teenager Jaeger O'Meara.

Clark would have given Harvey's side an immediate impact in 2012 - what was supposed to be the final year of his contract - while O'Meara is too young to join the AFL ranks next season.

It will be intriguing to see if Clark gets his way and lands at the Dockers now Lyon is calling the shots.

MacMum

16 Sep 2011, 16:37

He just may end up staying with us after all...

POBT

16 Sep 2011, 16:44

He just may end up staying with us after all...
A distinct possibility MacMum. I don't really know how I feel about that.

If it doesn't work out with Freo, I hope that he asks the Lions for a 3 year deal that says to the club and supporters - I'm here for the long haul. Won't hold my breath though.

Grimreepah

18 Sep 2011, 00:14

Lions star Mitch Clark holds on to hopes of move to Fremantle (http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/clark-holds-on-to-hopes-of-move-west/story-e6frepf6-1226139962832)

Andrew Hamilton
From: The Sunday Mail (Qld)
September 18, 2011 12:00AM

FREMANTLE'S coaching change has raised Mitch Clark's hopes of playing for the Dockers, with new coach Ross Lyon a fan of the utility and wanting to begin talks next week.

But the fight for the versatile player isn't over, with Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss trying to make one last pitch to Clark this week.

Lyon shares Harvey's belief that Clark could help push for a flag while veterans Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands are at their peak.

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/494/clarkn.jpg

Link (http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/mitch-clark-still-on-freos-radar-despite-coaching-switch/story-e6frg1xu-1226139879156)

Clark's manager, Colin Young, will meet with Freo recruiting manager Brad Lloyd this week as the Dockers try to piece together a deal.

Brisbane is playing hard-ball and coach Michael Voss is attempting to make contact with Clark, who is in Perth, to make one last pitch for him to stay in Queensland. Brisbane's asking price is now believed to be a first-round draft pick and two players.

Grimreepah

18 Sep 2011, 11:38

2011 End of Season Review

by Snuka
(http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/member.php?u=22016)
2010 Review (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=19333956&postcount=635)

Games: 17
Goals: 28
Sub: on = 0, off = 1
Emergency: 0
Time on ground: 86%
Best and Fairest: 15 votes (16th)
Dreamteam: 1224 points; $272,900 (-$40,500)
Supercoach: 1316 points; $356,500 (+$2,100)
Lions leading goal kicker

How do we solve a problem like Mitch Cla..…never mind.

Wellity, wellity, well! Haven’t I been given a ghastly task of remarking on Clark. Honestly, I wasn’t near as convinced as others that he wouldn’t be a Brisbane player in 2012 when I ‘courageously’ volunteered for do this review a few weeks ago, and am pretty disappointed that he won’t. I don’t really possess the angst that other supporters do. We put more years into Brennan and I don’t think he even gave us one full year as good as Clark’s in 2009 particularly comparing them at the same age, yet we are more happy to see the back of the latter then we were the former. Either way, these reviews are as much about looking optimistically to the future as they are about an examination of the past 12 months. It makes this one seem frustratingly, depressingly pointless. And on that cheery note…

We all had high hopes for Mitch this year that he would get close to his outstanding 2009, but since the ditching of Fevola and injuries to Brown & Staker in round one, it was always unlikely, at least in the same position he played. The Lion’s hand was forced into giving him the opportunity to play where he (supposedly) has wanted to play all along. It would be hard to argue that he has made the most of his chances. 27 goals was enough to make him leading goal kicker at the club but not enough to convince these admittedly unqualified eyes that he is yet a top class forward, let alone one that can be the main target at any team. Had times were he looked like tearing a game apart for 10 or 15 minute periods but often couldn’t get anywhere near it in the latter halves of games. Just didn’t seem to work hard enough on his leads throughout a full game and often looked to be sitting in the goal square waiting for the big pack mark that seldom came.

His kicking for goal was really the only noticeable improvement as his 27.13 record shows but then it also says that he didn’t get a whole of shots on goal for a player that spent a lot of time as the number 1 target. At times looked lazy and supporters sometimes wondered at his body language, particularly towards the end of the year (3 B&F votes in the last 13 rounds says it all). The laconic style doesn’t play well in losing teams. Suggestions that he didn’t want to be out there now perhaps more accurate then I had initially though.

Had a few really good if not exceptional games earlier in the year. 11 marks against the Dees (28 possies, 1 goal, 2 tackles, 10 inside 50s, 3.5 B&F votes) playing around the ground and bagged 4 goals against the Saints (12 possies, 4 goal, 4 marks, 0 tackles 2, inside 50s, 2.5 votes) spending a lot of time up forward gave a bit of hope that we could show some consistency. Round 10 though was exceptional, putting on perhaps the best performance of any Lion’s player this year against Adelaide (2 goals, 24 possies, 8 marks, 6 tackles, 7 inside 50s, 4 votes). In that game he was everywhere, roving the centre bounces, kicking goals, taking marks down back. It was 2009 all over again and funnily enough he was playing that utility role that he doesn’t want to play. For most of the year though, he was given a lot of time up forward but couldn’t deliver those 4 or 5 goal games that could have been the difference in the close ones.

Not sure whether the footy world or Mitch himself will admit it just yet but maybe he’s just ….you know...a really good utility. And would that be a bad thing, doesn’t seem to bother Adam Goodes. With Mitch just about a lock to be playing with Freo next year, it wouldn’t surprise me if he is given that same role, if not straight away. And if he plays as well as he can, it’s just as likely that Mitch & Freo will forget all the silly ‘want to play forward’ talk ever happened. But since Mitch has made it clear he does not want to be a part of the Lion’s future, who really gives a shit.

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/3193/clark61.jpg

TomFC

19 Sep 2011, 09:39

Excellent summation, Grim.

And I think you've hit the nail on the head. He just doesn't look like a key forward. Certainly not a deep lying forward. He's not a great lead-up mark. He's not a great pack mark. He's not great at finding space in the forward 50.

His best work happens in the spaces around the half-forward line and flanks, and leading up the ground to create a target out of defence. In the last few rounds of the season either he wasn't fit or he just wasn't interested in pushing up, and I think it was a big factor in a couple of games, particularly the loss to Adelaide.

We can really use a player like him, but only someone who wants to be here.

TomFC

21 Sep 2011, 10:07

Interview with Ross Lyon for the West Australian.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/dockers/10306497/no-place-for-normal-under-lyon-regime/

Relevant section:

SB: Were you strongly considering Mitch Clark for St Kilda and do you want him at Fremantle?

RL: Earlier in the year I was advised we had a fair bit of money freed up at St Kilda, so he was one we were looking at for that other power forward-ruckman, which he clearly is. I really rate him highly and I think at 23 he's really ready to blossom. If you listen to the noise in the market and he's a West Australian, there's some interest there.

dlanod

22 Sep 2011, 09:18

Q: Another player in the headlines has been Mitch Clark. How hard have you pushed to keep him? How important is he to Brisbane's future?

A: For me, he's a required player and he's a very good player. The best way you describe it is you don't give them away, let's put it that way. When you've looked and recruited and made some of your projections based on who you think will and won't be here, it's important we get adequate compensation whatever manner that looks like because we have factored him in that way. He's going to be a big part of the group that leads us into the future. Whenever you've come in with that sort of planning there's got to be a good argument to suggest why you shouldn't keep going down that path. We've heard nothing further so we'll wait and see what happens there.

Q: So I guess you're going to play pretty hard with Fremantle come trade time?

A: I wouldn't say hard, I'd say fair. I'm speculating here because we haven't talked to them on that level yet and we have to wait until we find out what is on offer. But to use a current expansion term, he's a category one player. He's not a second round draft pick, that's for sure.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/123891/default.aspx

Tassie4ever

22 Sep 2011, 10:33

Personally, and this is not an observation made out of spite, I don't really see Clark's "it's all about moi" style of play fitting in well anywhere, Freo or otherwise. Can only lead to internal friction with others of greater or lesser ability, would have thought. Would never get a game with the best sides, put it that way, unless a complete change in attitude comes about.

Let's face it, he has the ability, no doubt, but whether or not he delivers on the full potential is very debatable. Good luck.

Grimreepah

28 Sep 2011, 15:32

Adrian Fletcher (http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/123833/default.aspx)

Mitch had a few injury dramas unfortunately this year. He played some really good games but probably didn’t play to his full potential but we know he’ll bounce back.

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/400/clark88.jpg

Grimreepah

1 Oct 2011, 12:49

Why a Lion wants to be a Docker (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/afl/10381890/why-a-lion-wants-to-be-a-docker/)
DALE MILLER
The West Australian
October 1, 2011, 10:11 am

Clark said personal reasons largely linked to his family's health had led him to contemplate a move home as early as last year's trade period."I'm very close to my family," he said.
"I'm one of four boys. Mum and dad were living in Brisbane for about 14 months and they both got offered jobs back here and they decided to move back about a month ago.
"I'm very close to both my grandparents on both sides. My nanna's got terminal cancer. I'm very family orientated and was very close to my nanna growing up.
"Brisbane allowed me to come back and visit her earlier on in the season, but now I just feel like I want to be around more often and spend some more time with her."
Clark said he also wanted to be on hand to help two close cousins, who are in prison but are shortly due for release.
"It's very unfortunate that they're there," he said. "I'd rather not go into the reasons why they are, but now that they're coming out I want to be around and be able to support them."

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/2400/clark33.jpg

TheBrownDog

3 Oct 2011, 19:57

Jon Ralph from the Herald Sun reckons the deal has already been done.

BlackCaviar

4 Oct 2011, 16:53

Panthera

4 Oct 2011, 21:02

Clark to Freo has a lot of Headland circa 2002 to it.....:eek:

Yes, he may want to go home for family reasons, fine; but it doesn't mean it'll improve his output or desire to improve his game/attitude.

More importantly, he'll be playing under a coach known for his defensive gameplans and one that had the league's 2nd best CHF at his peak for 5 years running up and down the wing to get the ball, not kicking bags of goals like he should have :footy: And having Sandilands there for another 5 seasons wont help either :(

Good Luck Mitch :thumbsu:

Grimreepah

4 Oct 2011, 22:08

Colin Young (http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/ross-lyon-gets-ready-to-pounce-on-brisbane-lion-mitch-clark/story-e6frepf6-1226158439715)

Clark's manager Colin Young said yesterday he was hopeful of quick progress on the trade. "I am pretty confident Brisbane and Fremantle will get it done by Monday. The new coach was pretty keen to get Mitch to St Kilda towards the end of the season. I had some contact with the club then about where he was at. "When Rossy went to Fremantle, nothing had changed," he said.
"A bit of work will get done this week at the draft camp, but my gut feel is the two clubs might sit down over the weekend and get it done."

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/596/clark76.jpg

Grimreepah

5 Oct 2011, 21:03

Jay Clark (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/dogs-tigers-keen-on-tom-gillies/story-fn69a32t-1226159598968)

WEST COAST could help deliver Adelaide star Kurt Tippett to the Lions. AFL trade week begins on Monday and the Eagles have made a pre-emptive strike for a possible three-way deal that could mean departing Lions star Mitch Clark goes home to Perth and Gold Coaster Tippett returns to Queensland.
The Eagles have contacted the Lions to express their interest in Clark.
Bitter West Australian rival Fremantle was considered the front-runner for the 23-year-old but has been caught napping by the Eagles, who have wasted no time since midfielder Brad Ebert told the club he wanted to be traded to a South Australian team.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4472/clark74.jpg

Grimreepah

6 Oct 2011, 08:27

Greg Denham (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/eagles-ready-to-swoop-on-clark-fremantle-bid-could-be-trumped/story-e6frg7mf-1226159629080)

Clark, likely to be the highest profile player to switch clubs during the seven-day player exchange period that starts on Monday, has rejected a three-year contract offer from Brisbane, where he has played for six seasons.

A less than impressed Brisbane yesterday declared West Coast had shown more interest in Clark by preparing to satisfy the Lions' request for a quality player and a suitable draft selection. "Fremantle has been very tardy in talking seriously in what they're prepared to offer," Kerr said.

Clark, who seriously contemplated a move to Fremantle last year but was under contract, is seeking remuneration of about $550,000 a season in his next deal.

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/3913/clark45.jpg

Grimreepah

10 Oct 2011, 12:08

Colin Young (http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/124863/default.aspx)

"I did take a couple of calls from West Coast regarding where Mitch was at, but I don't think they're in a position to secure Mitch," Young said.

"They really haven't done their due diligence - meeting with Mitch or going through medicals or anything like that.

"Mitch has met with Fremantle, he's met with Ross [Lyon], and he just loves where they're going and he want to be there.

"I think he is Fremantle-bound."

Grimreepah

10 Oct 2011, 14:48

Clark's manager's website (http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/10/10/two-picks-for-kurt-tippett/)

Brisbane’s urgency to secure Tippett gathered strength as West Coast was effectively ruled out of attracting Clark. The big forward and capable pinch-hitting ruckman is destined for Fremantle on a lucrative contract package, even if Clark had to wait until the pre-season draft when his demanding price would be out of West Coast’s reach.

Eagles coach John Worsfold instructed his recruiting staff a fortnight ago, just after West Coast had lost their preliminary final to eventual premiers Geelong, to explore possible ways of getting into the race to sign Clark.

The key forward is viewed by Worsfold as eventual replacement back-up ruckman to Dean Cox, who is now 30 and battering ram goal-sneak Quinten Lynch who is 28.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/7039/clark84.jpg

TheBrownDog

10 Oct 2011, 15:31

LOL. Young is really trying his best isn't he. :D

Jubair

10 Oct 2011, 15:36

His snake of a player agent is doing all he can to deter Brisbane from playing hardball and deter other clubs from taking Clark is the PSD, if he slips through to there. Clark in the meantime is not showing any sort of compassion towards his old club by playing a hand, shows a spoilt BOY who never did appreciate opportunities given by the Lions.

Grimreepah

10 Oct 2011, 15:59

Rob Kerr (http://www.sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/impasse-for-clark-141949)

"It'd be fair to say there was next to no movement with Mitch Clark today," Kerr said. "So probably I think we value Mitch in a different way than to what Fremantle values him at this stage. The gulf (between the two clubs) is significant yes. We feel we've put a fair position but it takes two to negotiate and we haven't seen much sign of that. Pick 16 in this draft when you're talking about a player of the quality of Mitch is probably not enough."

Kerr was also happy to entertain the thought that Clark may remain with the club. "The request we got was to go home to Western Australia and we said to Mitch that if it was possible to do a deal we'd allow that to happen but the key is that a deal has got to be done," Kerr said. "If a deal is not done then Mitch is a required player at Brisbane and we'll be doing our best to retain him from then on. Well at this stage you'd have to say it's a reasonable possibility (Clark will stay)."

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5103/clark54.jpg

Link (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/lions-get-no-satisfaction-from-dockers-in-possible-trade-deal-for-mitch-clark/story-e6frg7mf-1226163419837)

He said the Lions had flatly rejected Fremantle's initial offer. "They offered up their compensation pick for losing Rhys Palmer to GWS, which could be as low as No 31 this year," Kerr said. "We said no."

Grimreepah

10 Oct 2011, 16:35

Chris Bond (http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/124878/default.aspx)

Fremantle football manager Chris Bond categorically stated his club did not have Ray and Peake in its sights but said there had been positive talks with the Brisbane Lions over getting Mitch Clark to Fremantle.

"Yeah there has been [progression]. We'll keep working with Brisbane on that and hopefully we can come to some arrangement," Bond said as he left Etihad Stadium on day one of trade week.

"You're only confident when it gets over the line. We are, we've got Mitch who wants to come to us and we'd like to get a trade done and to have him at the club by the end of trade week I think helps everyone involved."

http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/4210/clark81.jpg

Grimreepah

12 Oct 2011, 15:06

Rob Kerr (http://www.lions.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5085/newsid/125001/default.aspx)

Clark’s relationship with the Lions has remained strong over the past month, despite requesting a trade back home at the end of 2011 season.

“There’s been no fallout between Mitch and the Club or anyone at the Club, and he has continued to talk regularly with Michael Voss,” Lions National Talent Manager Rob Kerr told SEN this morning.

“Mitch wanted to get home for a variety of reasons.”

“He told us his preference was to simply go home. He didn’t indicate there was one club over another, with respect to the West Australian clubs (Fremantle and West Coast).”

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/3056/clark87.jpg

Grimreepah

13 Oct 2011, 10:27

Demons Chase Mitch Clark (http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/more-action-to-come-on-day-four/story-fnahsgl5-1226165490224)

"We are interested, that’s probably on the record now," Harrington told Trade Week Radio."We’re working out what can and can’t be done, but a player like Mitch Clark is of interest obviously.
"We do want to talk to him, we want to progress the deal, but we have pretty strong competition in Fremantle because that was obviously where Mitch had said he wanted to go initially, back to the west.
"So we’ve got a lot of work to do, there’s no doubt about that."
"We haven’t even got to the stage of saying whether Mitch wants to come to Melbourne yet, so we’ve got a fair bit of work to do yet before we start working out what we’re going to do as far as satisfying the deal," he said.

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/1213/clark20.jpg

MacMum

13 Oct 2011, 16:08

Have apparently offered him $800,000 a season!:eek: (HUN website)

TheBrownDog

13 Oct 2011, 16:46

Have apparently offered him $800,000 a season!:eek: (HUN website)

They've downgraded that to a number "closer to $500k".

MacMum

13 Oct 2011, 16:49

Thats a bit more realistic!....it would have to be near what we would pay him, wouldn't it?..

BlackCaviar

14 Oct 2011, 17:34

this bloke is a tool
we need to take what we get now:mad:

Grimreepah

14 Oct 2011, 17:36

Link (http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/trade-week-rolls-on/story-fnahrzm3-1226166417480) ....

“I respect and genuinely appreciate the interest shown by Melbourne but these decisions are not always about the financial side of things,” Clark said.“I’ve been saying for quite some time now that I want to return home to WA and play for Fremantle. Despite the highly attractive offer Melbourne have put on the table, I remain firmly committed to returning to Perth to be with my family and to signing with Freo.

“I’m really grateful for the interest shown by Melbourne and the way they’ve gone about the negotiations but my strong desire is that Brisbane and Fremantle are able to reach an agreement that will allow me to return home to WA,” he said. “If no agreement can be reached between Brisbane and Fremantle, I’m firmly committed to nominating for the pre-season draft.”

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7944/clark27m.jpg

Bucking Beads

14 Oct 2011, 17:48

Good riddance I say!

Jubair

14 Oct 2011, 17:53

Sounds something his manager would've drafted for him, doesnt sound like him or his thoughts at all, noting the emphasise on Freo, which his manager did as well in the interview with TWR yesterday.

Grimreepah

15 Oct 2011, 23:58

Demons land Clark (http://www.sportal.com.au/afl-news-display/demons-land-clark-142834)
15/10/2011 10:37 PM
Paul Barbieri
Sportal

Disgruntled Lion Mitch Clark has signed a four-year deal with Melbourne in one of Trade Week's biggest shocks.Despite the Dockers bizarrely sending out a media release on Friday afternoon that quoted Clark, who spoke of his desire to head to Fremantle, the 23-year-old Lion has signed with the Demons on Saturday, with Melbourne trading him for selection No.12 in the National Draft.
"Agreement has been reached tonight to trade Brisbane player Mitch Clarke to @melbournefc for selection 12 in the 2011 National Draft," said Melboune on Twitter late on Saturday evening.
"Clark has agreed to terms on a four year contract with the club. More details to follow in the morning."

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9295/clark86.jpg

Link (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-beats-fremantle-to-secure-mitch-clark/story-fn69a32t-1226167582864)

In the biggest move of the trade period yet, and one that will likely open up more trades before tomorrow's 2pm deadline, the Demons were able to convince the 23-year-old to accept a long-term deal worth more than $600,000 a year.

Only 24 hours earlier Clark had knocked back the Demons, citing family as the reason he wanted to return to Perth.

But it is believed he changed his mind after becoming fearful that if he was forced into the pre-season draft.

It's believed he was worried about being snapped up by Greater Western Sydney in the pre-season draft.