This Sunday, however, the pair will be plotting the demise of their old side as integral members of the Lions’ Grand Final opponents, Aspley.
Clarke and Stiller both crossed to the Hornets at the end of last season, and it’s no coincidence that their arrival has seen the club rise from 9th on the NEAFL ladder to Grand Finalists in 2013.
Clarke is the Hornets’ second leading goal-kicker this season – just one goal shy of spearhead James Nelis – while Stiller’s stellar season was recognised on Monday night when he was named in the NEAFL Team of the Year and placed fourth in the Grogan Medal count.
But the likes of Aaron Cornelius, Todd Banfield, Jack Crisp, and co. will be determined to ensure that their former teammates don’t enjoy the same spoils as last did season.
Leigh Harding said the backstory would provide a little more interest in Sunday’s premiership decider.
“It’s a strange one considering the coach and captain from last year are in the Final for them,” Harding told LIONS TV in an exclusive interview.
“They know a lot about us, and I guess we’ll know a fair bit about those players as well considering they were part of the Lions as well.
“It’s an advantage, but it could also be a disadvantage as well.
“It will be an interesting one. We’ve played them a couple of times this year, so the boys have always put their best foot forward against those blokes.”
