Gerard Whateley says retired Melbourne forward Mitch Clark left his mark on the game

IN a short and interrupted time at Melbourne, Mitch Clark made an undeniable imprint.

IN a short and interrupted time at Melbourne, Mitch Clark made an undeniable imprint.

His tears for Jim Stynes, who’s No. 11 he’d been presented, burn as vividly as his raging conviction approaching a marking contest.

But his departure has left a deeper impression still.

Amid the sadness felt for a talented 26-year-old moved to relinquish a lucrative career, came an encouragingly enlightened conversation.

It was led by teammate and friend Chris Dawes who imparted that you didn’t need to comprehend what Clark was enduring, you just had to acknowledge it.

Once Clark’s decision was formalised, that broad level of acceptance, expressed by some as admiration that there’s more to life than football, spoke of a maturing from the culture of toughen up and get through it.

For this we owe the likes of Wayne Schwass, Nathan Thompson and Simon Hogan.

One strand in the search for meaning was to ponder whether mental health issues within football clubs are more prevalent or merely more recognised.

Clark runs out the number previously won by club legend Jim Stynes.

Such a distinction is moot. It’s a reality in the sport to be confronted with vigour and treated with compassion.

From the custodians of the code to the media and fans we are challenged to examine the environment and question whether inherent in the pursuit and the scrutiny is this unintended consequence.

As an audience we are unrelentingly demanding and judge ruthlessly. It exalts the game to the commanding status it enjoys. But it can’t be defended at any cost.

To that end the week offered the chance for introspection. To shake off the tendency view and appraise players as commodities and rediscover the humanity.

The triumphs and motivations. The quest to prevail and excel. The frailties and insecurities. To toll of failure.

The discomfort of having your character assessed and interpreted solely by your actions on the field.

If you listen in the din and maelstrom there are the players willing to share the journey and its accompanying realities.

As the long days in hospital drifted by, Giants co-captain Phil Davis wondered whether the game was really worth it.

“I sat down and thought to myself: ‘It is to me.’ It’s something I’ve had a burning desire for since I was so young. I think about how many people nominate for the draft each year and I’m very grateful to be in this position.

“There is a risk and I’m praying I don’t cop another freak accident but it’s definitely worth it for me. I love the game.”

Clark flies high for a mark. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Veteran Robert Murphy identified the constant hum of anxiety that peaks in the last moments before taking the field.

“You go through this internal war of putting your reputation on the line because it does mean so much to you; what people think of you means so much to you; and what the bloke standing next to you expects from you.

“It’s a heavy thing. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there just to play. But it’s also the petrol that makes you go.”

Through his laconic demeanour Dane Swan would convince the world he’s impervious to the doubts and cares of lapsing form.

“But game day there’s no one who has more pride in their performance than me. It probably sounds silly but I don’t want to walk off the field with my mum and dad and friends disappointed with the way I’ve played. I think that’s what drives me, the fear of letting them down.”

Brad Sewell faced the doubts last year and prevailed. Rather than being satisfied, it drives him to do it again.

“In a sadistic way that hour after the Grand Final, with your friends and family in the rooms afterwards, that hour makes all the rubbish in years gone by worthwhile. It’s a warped way of thinking about it but without doubt it’s ultimately true.”

Each player walks his unique path before us. In a week such as this we are reminded there’s more than just our amusement at stake.