MELBOURNE has confirmed it is targeting Brisbane Lions big man Mitch Clark.

The 23-year-old ruckman/forward has asked to be traded from the Lions to Fremantle, but the two clubs are struggling to come up with a satisfactory deal.

As a result, the Demons are hoping they can sneak under Freo's guard and lure Clark to Melbourne.

It is believed that newly appointed assistant coach Jade Rawlings, who spent the previous two seasons in Brisbane, has spoken to Clark in recent days.

"We want to talk to him, but obviously [we] have strong competition in Fremantle," Melbourne list manager Tim Harrington told AFL.com.au's Trade Week Radio.

"We just want to make sure that we position ourselves, so if there's anything possible, we [want to do] what's best for our footy club."

The Lions have reacted positively to Melbourne's interest in Clark.

"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," Lions list manager Rob Kerr said.

Fremantle has been expected to offer its first draft pick - selection 16 - in exchange for Clark, but that is unlikely to be enough to satisfy the Lions.

Nevertheless, Kerr says Freo still hasn't tabled a formal offer with the Lions.
 
"It does surprise us," Kerr said. "But I understand Fremantle have been doing some work behind the scenes to put something to us that will satisfy us.

"We’ve said all along that we need fair recompense for that exchange to happen.

"In this draft, you want to be getting a selection where you can get a good young player.

"We’ve got very clear direction from our board about getting the best possible deal."

No trades are official until paperwork has been accepted by the AFL and formally recognised after 2pm on Monday, October 17.

Follow our complete coverage of the 2011 AFL exchange period from October 10-17. Join the AFL trade conversation on Twitter: use #tradeweek in your tweets.