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Clark: Money no factor

10/16/2011 11:36:53 PM

Former Brisbane ruckman/forward Mitch Clark insists he was chasing a fresh start, not big bucks, when he elected to join the Demons.

Clark, who hails from Perth, cited family reasons as a significant factor for wanting to move to Fremantle when he quit the Lions last month.

But, in a stunning back flip, the 23-year-old signed for Melbourne at the weekend after having earlier told the club that he was not interested.

Fronting the media at AAMI Park on Monday morning Clark said he was won over by the Demons' persistence and passion.

"I went back to Perth and spoke to my family about the decision," Clark said.

"(Melbourne CEO) Cameron (Schwab) was hassling me a fair bit through text messages and the club was really serious about getting me here."

"I pretty much got told through my agent that a deal could be done with Melbourne and I just wanted to make a decision."

"I'm very happy with the decision that I've made."

Clark said he wasn't bothered by the perception that he was chasing the dollar.

"No, because I know what I'm here for," he said.

"I'm here to work hard and contribute to the Melbourne footy club."

"Putting myself out there to leave Brisbane, I was obviously chasing a fresh start."

"I probably had my heart set on going back to Fremantle but this came up, I thought long about it and I'm so happy that we got the deal done."

Melbourne's list manager Tim Harrington said the Demons targeted Clark for recruitment and he meets the club's needs for a key forward.

Senior coach Mark Neeld described the Clark deal as a 'huge coup' and a statement by the club that it should be taken seriously.

"In terms of momentum, there's a fair bit of it here at Melbourne," Neeld said.

"The club's moved quickly with a number of appointments and pretty much been able to get the job done."

Harrington said the club has 'more work to do' with a number of Demons - including Matthew Bate, Addam Maric and Matthew Warnock - seeking new homes ahead of Monday's 2pm trade deadline.

 

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