MITCH Clark loped into the coffee shop at AAMI Park.

Melbourne polo shirts were buzzing around the lunchtime crowd, like busboys at a packed nightclub.

Liam Jurrah slid past with a full plate, handing off a quick wink and grin. A big hello came from where the coach was seated.

Clark swatted away the banter and headed straight for an empty bench in the quietest part of the room.

He looked to have settled into the Demons' groove quicker than a bobsledder at the top of his run.

Perhaps the reason is because the amiable big man has a clear sense of himself and what he can provide for Melbourne.

"I don't see myself as the big recruit. I just see myself as another guy who is trying to help this footy club go forward," said Clark.

Since his arrival those in charge have added a bit more to that modest assessment.

In February, Mark Neeld declared him a key forward, complementing other marking targets Jurrah and Jack Watts.

When he presented the recruit with his revered No.11 to wear Jim Stynes said Clark is someone who can provide a bit of colour to the group.

Colour is an abstract concept but critical to a developing football team. Players such as Clark can add life, confidence, belief and quiet assurance to those around them.

Perhaps the greatest indication of Clark's impact came four months after he agreed to join the club when he was named in a new leadership group.

"His body language has been outstanding. He's a leader," said forward coach Leigh Brown. "He leads from the front. His aggression and his competitive nature will be a real strong point and will add to this footy group."

In keeping with his modest approach however Clark is keeping away from any outlandish statements.

"I just want to contribute consistently on and off the field," said Clark. "I want to set standards at training. I feel like I've fitted into the group quite well.”

While such an answer might be considered the verbal equivalent of an opening bat playing the arc between mid-on and mid-off, it's true. Brown says since arriving Clark has been humble and respectful and made earning everyone's respect his priority.

Clark does not waste words. Even on the subject done to death but always present - his decision to join Melbourne after declaring his intention to return from Brisbane to Perth for family reasons - he is very clear.

"I'm not too worried about what everyone thinks of me, but I'm the kind of guy who is pretty loyal and wants to do the right thing," said Clark.

"At the end of the day I had to take care of my family and Melbourne's offer really appealed to me, where the club was going and the role I could play."

The fact that when decision time came he knew the deal between the Brisbane Lions and the Demons could get done was important.

He could not gamble with the future. He has a daughter Sienna from a previous relationship and a partner Samantha. He is also close to his family, mum and dad, Deborah and Dean, two brothers who live in Perth, Ryan and Tyson, and one, Dean, who also lives in Melbourne.

Once he had their blessing, he took one more look at the four-year deal and signed with Melbourne.

Some suggest recruiting Clark to play in the key forward post is a big gamble. He played 82 games for 61 goals in six seasons at the Brisbane Lions. And his best season was as a ruckman in 2009.

While every recruiting decision carries risk, this one has logic on its side. He arrived in Brisbane after a serious bout of meningococcal, battled osteitis pubis and had the small matter of Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw ahead of him inside 50.

So when injuries to teammates created a chance to play in the ruck grabbed it.

"I really enjoyed that year. I was probably at the stage of my career where I was filling holes a bit in the team and so it was really enjoyable to feel important in the team and cement a spot that I could make my own," said Clark.

It was the year he began to believe he could excel in AFL football.

Soon after he resumed in his role of learning the ropes as a key forward, with the added expectation he could play in the ruck.

At Melbourne his role will be clearly defined and his focus narrowed. That suits the 24-year-old better than trying to be an all-rounder.

"Personally I like to play in the position for 90 per cent of the game. I am probably a bit old fashioned in that way, where I would prefer to be settle in one position and go head to head with my opponent," said Clark.

It's not that he doesn't understand versatility equals value but he's happy to state his considered view. "Some guys might enjoy getting shifted around. As I said I'm probably in the older school mode where I prefer to take my opponent on."

That competitive approach suits Melbourne but his progression will be gradual. He had an operation on his knee - to fix a lateral meniscus tear - and has been training with the main group and rehab group at various times during the pre-season.

Expectations are high but realistic to start. "He's still reasonably young and raw," said Brown. "There is a lot to work with."

The only time Clark's laconic delivery disappeared was when he spoke about the Demons' forward mix. He sang the praises of Jurrah, Watts, Jeremy Howe, Aaron Davey and Stefan Martin, making Melbourne sound positively polyphonic inside its forward 50.

When Clark described what might lie ahead in that part of the ground he sounds like a performer about to head on stage: "Hopefully we can create a good mix and create a bit of havoc."

Brown is taking the coach's line: "The output offensively will be dictated by what he does defensively and how much he competes. We just need Mitch Clark to compete in the air and on the ground and play to the best of his ability and hunt the opposition. We look forward to seeing that."

So is every Melbourne supporter.

For now, as is his way, Clark's keeping things simple: "I am really excited about running out with the team."