While the Lions had intended to grant Clark’s wish of moving back home to Western Australia, the Dockers’ apparent reluctance to offer a suitable trade saw the deal stall in the opening few days.
The Demons have since appeared as a potential new home for the 23 year-old, despite not being his preferred location.
Melbourne have identified that they need to target a key forward, and Clark would be a perfect fit.
If an appropriate deal did not eventuate with Clark this week, Melbourne would also have the opportunity to claim him ahead of Fremantle in the Pre-Season Draft.
Former Lions Assistant Coach Jade Rawlings - who has since joined the Demons - allegedly flew to Brisbane yesterday to meet with Clark.
Lions List Manager Rob Kerr told afl.com.au’s Trade Week Radio on Thursday that Melbourne’s involvement could help drive a better deal for the Club.
“It can only be good for us as it generates some competition for Mitch’s services - but we’ll have to wait and see how their discussions progress,” Kerr said.
Kerr also said that while the Club had agreed to do their best at trying to land Clark at Fremantle, he was surprised to not have received any formal offers as yet from the Dockers.
“I haven’t actually had a formal offer from Fremantle yet,” he said.
“It does surprise us. But I understand Fremantle have been doing some work behind the scenes to put something to us that will satisfy us.”
“We did say to Mitchell that if we can make it happen, we would hold up our end of the bargain.”
“But we’ve said all along that we need fair recompense for that exchange to happen.”
Kerr said the Club would stay strong in their negotiations to ensure adequate compensation was received for a player of Clark’s quality.
“In this draft, you want to be getting a selection where you can get a good young player,” he said.
“We’ve got very clear direction from our Board about getting the best possible deal, and if not we take our chances (in the Pre-Season Draft). We’ve got the support of the Club behind us (should that eventuate).”
Earlier, Melbourne Football Manager Tim Harrington also confirmed the Demons’ interest.
“We want to talk to him, but obviously have strong competition in Fremantle,” Harrington said.
