FIND out what’s being said about the club in the major daily newspapers on Wednesday, October 18, 2011

Herald Sun

Stynes offers Clark his No.11
By Mark Stevens

MELBOURNE recruit Mitch Clark will meet Jim Stynes before deciding if he will accept an offer to wear his famous No.11 guernsey. The number is available and Stynes is keen to pass it on to Clark, texting the key forward soon after a trade deal was struck with the Brisbane Lions. Clark told the Herald Sun he was looking forward to a face-to-face chat with the seriously ill Stynes. "It would be a massive honour," Clark said of the offer. "I don't know Jim personally, but just the way people talk about him at the footy club, he's a great. "I haven't spoken to him personally yet. I'm looking forward to the opportunity of doing so ... I'll make a decision after that. "I'll talk to Jim first and get a feel for the whole thing."

Why Mitch Clark’s a coup
By Mike Sheahan

MELBOURNE has made a massive investment in Mitch Clark in terms of both money and faith. It's a huge punt for a player who, in racing parlance, would be described as a capable if erratic performer. Equally, it is a gamble worth the risk. The Demons had to make a statement that they have appeal and ambition. That they are ready to confront the big boys. That the future is now. That they have credibility as a challenger. They went as far as they had to in pursuit of Clark. My guess is they committed to $2.6-2.8 million for four years. That's serious money. Not far shy of the $3m earmarked for Tom Scully - for five years. It's also more than Clark's record suggests he is worth, yet he was the most capable player available during trade week. And, as usual, it was a case of supply and demand.

Joining Demons an ‘easy’ call: Clark
By AAP

NEW Demon Mitch Clark isn't worried about perceptions he joined Melbourne for the money. Clark said today he was impressed by the speed that Melbourne were able to complete the deal, and he liked the idea that the club, as well as him, were making a "fresh start". He said his family backed his decision to choose the Demons over the Dockers. "I probably had my heart set on going back to Freo but this came up and I thought long and hard about it and I'm happy that we got a deal done," he said. "After speaking to my family it was an easy decision. "They gave me their blessing to come over here and look after my immediate family, my partner and my daughter." And Clark isn't bothered by the perception that he chased the money trail to Melbourne.

The Age

Family first, the money a bonus: Clark
By Michael Gleeson

MITCH Clark did not get where he wanted to go but in the end he said it was ''no decision at all'' to choose Melbourne over Fremantle. He was right in a sense - the money was better and, as important, the deal could be done. But his decision will enable him to better look after his new family - his partner and daughter - which was the reason his parents and grandparents encouraged him to foresake hopes of reaching Fremantle for the certainty of getting to Melbourne and the vastly superior money on offer there. He is not troubled by the suspicion he has sold out to the highest bidder. ''I know what I am here for. I am here to work hard and contribute to the footy club, so it doesn't bother me at all,'' Clark said of the criticism.

The Australian

Clark’s winding road to Demons
By Courtney Walsh

MITCH Clark has been called many things in recent days. A Lion, a Docker and a Demon are, perhaps, the most generous, for at least all seemed accurate at one stage. Other assessments were less flattering, even if the supposed slur by a former teammate in Tom Rockliff hinting at Clark being a mercenary was laughed off by the Demon yesterday. Clark, like his career to date, has been confused. He has flirted with life as either a forward or ruckman, with the latter his supposed preference. Family concerns, too, were stressed as the reason for a return to Perth until Melbourne opened its purse strings last Wednesday and reached further into its account on the weekend. But while both his family life and rucking career - the Demons already boast quality option Mark Jamar - have become secondary now that he is at Melbourne, there is no doubt Clark is wanted at his new home.