MELBOURNE recruit Mitch Clark admits he was "stung a little bit" by criticism from his former coach Leigh Matthews.
 
After round one Matthews suggested the 33-year-old Ben Hudson would prove to be better value as a recruit for the Lions than the 24-year-old Clark would be for Melbourne.

Clark was signed to a four-year contract after being traded from the Lions to Melbourne for pick No. 12 in the NAB AFL Draft in October.

Hudson came out of retirement to join the Lions.
 
"He's entitled to his opinion," Clark said at a press conference on Tuesday at the Junction Oval.

"Hudson is going to be a great pick up for the Lions I'm sure. Hopefully I can be a good pick up for the Demons. I'm not sure we're going to worry about what anyone else is saying. What I care about is how my teammates and coaches see me within the club."
 
Clark said he was not happy with his performance in round one against the Lions and that it was important for him to respond quickly in round two.
 
He kicked five goals against the Eagles in a losing team to be team's standout performer up forward.
 
"I got on the end of a few on the weekend and hopefully I can continue to build on that," Clark said.
 
Clark played 22 games for the Lions in three years under Matthews and kicked 18 goals. Clark's best year came in 2009 under new coach Michael Voss.