THE SEASON debut of Brisbane Lions young gun Mitch Clark was a bright spot amid the disappointment of a 33-point loss to arch rival Collingwood – and the player himself is hopeful the best is yet to come.

Clark, whose first season at the Gabba was limited to six senior games because of osteitis pubis, was making his first appearance of 2007 against the Magpies, having suffered a knee injury in the pre-season.

His return had been eagerly anticipated and he didn't let Lions fans down, kicking two goals in each of the second and third quarters, en route to a career-best haul of five majors.

"I still think I'm two or three weeks away from full fitness," Clark told lions.com.au after the match.

"I'm just grateful that I got the chance tonight, played mostly out of the square, had room in front of me to lead into and that our class midfield was able to hit me up.

"I was a bit nervous but once the first goal went through I got my confidence back. It was good to get through the game unscathed and get a few touches."

Like all of his teammates, Clark was bitterly disappointed that the Lions weren't able to celebrate Simon Black's 200th game with a win - particularly given Black, who racked up 37 possessions, had an excellent night.

"Blacky's another Perth boy and we're from the same club (East Fremantle)," Clark said.

"[Collingwood] just seemed to have more numbers around the ball and we couldn't get enough of it."

With a crowd of 32, 225 at the Gabba for the showdown between the long-time rivals, Clark, unsurprisingly, said the atmosphere was a bit different to when he turned out for the Suncoast Lions at Redland a week ago.

But a couple of early missed set shots aside, the 19-year-old showed few outward signs of nerves. Playing alongside gun centre half-forward Jonathan Brown, Clark looked every bit the second tall attacking option the Lions have been craving in the absence of Daniel Bradshaw.

"[The big crowd] is exciting. I don't think it's daunting. It's great to play in front of our fans and so many people. That's what I moved to Brisbane for," Clark said.

"Obviously it's a bit different than playing at Redlands. I copped a bit of a bagging down there!

"Playing alongside Browny is terrific. He's a great teacher, a great leader, is very encouraging and makes you feel really comfortable out there."