Mitch Clark warms to playing AFL again after walking out on Melbourne suffering depression

MITCH Clark could return to AFL ranks as early as next season, according to his manager.

melbourne training Picture Wayne Ludbey. Mitch Clark.

MITCH Clark could return to the AFL as early as next season, according to his manager.

The former Melbourne forward quit the club mid-season to focus on his battle with depression.

“He’s in great shape,” Clark’s manager Colin Young told Channel Nine’s Sunday Footy Show in a statement.

“It’s more than likely he will put his hand up and attempt to get back in the AFL.”

It’s understood Clark, 26, is still on Melbourne’s list despite negotiating a payout for the final year of his contract (2015).

Unless Melbourne coach Paul Roos can convince Clark to return to the club, the Demons would seek to trade him during the off-season.

The alternative would be to delist him, however the club chose not to do so at its first opportunity last week.

The club axed Mitch Clisby and Dan Nicholson, while Shannon Byrnes announced his retirement before the end of the season.

It’s remains unclear where the West Australian will play next season.

Clark, who battled foot and hamstring injuries throughout his career, played just 15 games in three seasons at Melbourne after 82 at Brisbane.

A healthy Clark proved a dominant force for Melbourne playing deep in the forward line and as a mobile ruckman, kicking 29 goals in 11 games in his first year at the club.

Clark was lured from the Lions on a lucrative four-year deal worth about $3m.

In June, he revealed the injuries and the guilt he felt from being on a big-money contract contributed to his ”breakdown”.

Clark used his time away from the game to focus on family and photography.

But in recent weeks the 200cm ruck/forward has expressed a renewed passion for AFL and fitness.

big bud just loves september #specialist

— Mitch Clark (@mitchjclark) September 6, 2014

trying to watch the footy but got this bloke yelling in my ear #welovefinalsfooty pic.twitter.com/NsRhfY8BUs

— Mitch Clark (@mitchjclark) September 6, 2014

perfect day for a recovery swim down at st kilda pic.twitter.com/mEgFolcagN

— Mitch Clark (@mitchjclark) August 26, 2014

Originally published as Mitch Clark warms to playing AFL again after walking out on Melbourne suffering depression