Lions hold off interest in Clark
31 August 2007 Herald Sun
Andrew Hamilton
THE Brisbane Lions have withstood strong interest from two clubs for gun forward Mitch Clark.
However, it is understood the 19-year-old top 10 draft pick has only agreed to a one-year-deal.
It is believed the Lions re-signed Clark this week after a visit from his manager Colin Young.
Clark is seen as a key player for Brisbane, and coach Leigh Matthews has said the club wants him fit so he can have an extended run in the seniors.
Although he has had two injury-ravaged seasons at the club, Clark has shown glimpses of talent.
In his first game this season, he booted five goals against Collingwood at the Gabba in Round 9.
He has been troubled by foot, knee and shoulder injuries and has managed just 10 senior games since his debut against Geelong in Round 1 last year.
In his limited senior appearances, Clark has shown he can lead and take a strong mark and is considered very agile for a big man.
He has kicked seven goals in four games this year for a total of 10 and Brisbane see him as an ideal forward partner to Jonathan Brown.
It is understood West Coast and Fremantle were interested in the young West Australian who was pick No. 9 in the 2005 draft.
It is a key signing for Brisbane, who will again face raids from interstate rivals. Last season Daniel Bradshaw and Michael Rischitelli rejected offers from Melbourne-based clubs.
It is understood the Sydney Swans are interested in young ruckman Cameron Wood.
The Swans may need to recruit a ruckman as Darren Jolly is considering returning to Melbourne.
The Swans have had recruiting staff watching the 20-year-old at most Lions' reserves games this year.
Premiership midfielder Richard Hadley, in his first year back after two years on the sidelines recovering from successive knee reconstructions, has also attracted some interest.
The Lions have four ruckmen on their books and could struggle to keep them all.
Wood remains in contract, but appears to have been overtaken by 2006 No.4 draft pick Matthew Leuenberger. Jamie Charman is close to agreeing to remain at the club.http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,22336965%255E19742,00.html
