MITCH Clark's AFL future has been one of the great unknowns throughout 2011. And even when it was seemingly confirmed, there was still another late twist to come.

Over the past three years Clark has become one of the Lions most important players for his contribution as a ruck/forward.

His growing stature in the game meant that his next contract was going to be a big one and he had more choice than ever over his own destiny.

But there were doubts about how long he would stay in Brisbane as he delayed contract talks with the club.

One of the earliest hints he was set to move came in late July when the club eagerly announced the re-signings of recent first-round picks from interstate in Daniel Rich, Matthew Leuenberger and Jared Polec. There was one name missing from that list.

Come the end of the season, Clark announced his intention to leave the Lions and return home to Western Australia.

Clark, along with Tom Scully, Rhys Palmer, Callan Ward and Phil Davis, had been linked to Greater Western Sydney as one of their uncontracted signings. But while the other four were lured away from their home states, Clark just wanted to go home. Or so we thought.

Sixteen days before he officially became a Demon, Clark gave a revealing interview to a Perth newspaper speaking excitedly about his intention to join Fremantle.

He spoke about missing his parents, who had returned home after briefly living in Brisbane, his terminally ill grandmother and his two cousins who were set for a release from jail.

Clark had even met with new Fremantle coach Ross Lyon and had toured the club's facilities.

His manager Colin Young had focused his energies on getting his client to Fremantle and the club was keen. But not so keen that they made life easy for the Lions, who were reluctant to accept picks 16 and 20 as compensation.

West Coast was said to show some mild interest in Clark but with its emerging list and large stockpile of rucks and forwards, there was no pressing need for him and nothing eventuated.

A stalemate resulted and Melbourne entered the fray in what seemed to be at best an optimistic interest in Clark.

But the Demons were serious, offering the Lions pick 12 and offering Clark a far more financially attractive and secure contract than anything Fremantle could muster.

He thought about it but still wanted to stay with Fremantle, which he told the club. So pleased was Fremantle that it released a statement on Friday announcing Clark's commitment to the club.

But a bombshell hit late on Saturday night when it emerged that Clark had agreed to sign with Melbourne after it presented an offer too good to refuse.

The family that had drawn Clark back to Western Australia encouraged him to accept the Demons' offer and he did so in a move that drew some criticism.

One of those critics was former Lions teammate Tom Rockliff, who on Sunday morning tweeted a not so subtle slap to Clark, pondering "I guess money can cure anything."

Quizzed about Rockliff's sledge the following day, Clark laughed it off, praising his former club for its role in his life.

"That's great, I gave him a text message. It's all good fun and good on Rocky," Clark said.

"I'm still very good mates with guys like that at the footy club and I've got quite a good relationship with the Brisbane footy club, Vossy (coach Michael Voss) and the people there. I'm quite happy where I'm at."

Adding to the surprise that Clark changed his mind so late in proceedings was the fact that he had been won over by Melbourne, a club that not so long ago was derided for its lack of professionalism and inability to compete with bigger clubs both on and off the field.

There have been some significant changes at the Demons in recent months and new coach Mark Neeld, new footy chief Neil Craig and new fitness director David Misson have brought in some fresh ideas to the club.

But a large chunk of the credit must go to those who have been with the Demons throughout the bad times, namely list manager Tim Harrington and CEO Cameron Schwab, who both played big roles in getting Clark in the red and blue.

The Demons approached its dealings with a professionalism, aggression and a strategy that they had previously been accused of lacking.

Sitting alongside his new recruit on Monday, Neeld said the club was determined to get what it wanted.

"We did what every Melbourne supporter would have wanted us to do - get on the phone, get on a plane, get in front of him, present our thoughts and present where we thought he could be a benefit to the club," Neeld said.

"In signing Mitch there is a ripple effect if you like in terms of what he can aid, and can give guys like Jack Watts and Liam Jurrah with their match-ups and the role they need to play. That was a huge coup for the club."

In signing such a big deal and filling a pressing need as a key forward, Clark arrives effectively as Melbourne's franchise player, a title that doesn't seem to unsettle him.

"There is definite pressure there but I welcome it and I look forward to the challenge at the footy club and I know that will be working hard on the track and giving myself the best opportunity to perform," he said.

"That will take care of itself."

Whether or not it does take care of itself is yet to be seen but that statement alone shows something that the Demons desperately need more than youth, athleticism or a tall forward. That is confidence.

Luke Holmesby covers Melbourne news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_LHolmesby

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The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs