If Clarkson is a true professional and Melbourne throws the kitchen sink at him, he will take it. Issues about lists quality etc. over a 5 year deal - which is a lifetime offer for someone of his age - will not/should not count in his decison. Pickering will be telling him the same. This issue is a professional one, not that emotional - thats the angle for us fans to take.
The cash comes from the Board's resolve, quite correctly, not to pay Scully an outrageous salary which would destabilse the team.
Whatever happens this move says to me the Board/G. Lyon and Co. are seriously on this case for next year.
I'm excited that there's a firm hand on the tiller.