Mitch Clark likely to become a Magpie via trade for Harry Lumumba

COLLINGWOOD has moved closer to securing Melbourne big man Mitch Clark in what could be a straight swap for Heritier Lumumba.

A small group of Melbourne Football Club players train at Gosch's Paddock today. Mitch Clark

COLLINGWOOD has moved closer to securing Melbourne big man Mitch Clark in what could be a straight swap for Heritier Lumumba.

Mitch Clark is likely to seek a trade to Collingwood.

It is understood the Pies are buoyed by Clark’s progress since last month flagging his desire to revive his career next season.

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The Magpies believe it is Clark’s preference to play at Collingwood but the club will wait on the results of further health and wellbeing tests before finalising negotiations with Melbourne in next month’s trade period.

Clark’s contract is likely to be heavily performance-based.

Clark, 26, retired from Melbourne this year due to serious mental health problems and is believed to have flagged a preference to play elsewhere, angering sections of the Melbourne supporter base.

Carlton coach Michael Malthouse was critical of Clark’s intentions.

It is understood Clark has asked Pies coach Nathan Buckley to speak to his psychologists to ensure the coach has a complete understanding of the ex-Brisbane Lion and Demon’s mental battles.

The starting point for trade talks between the Pies and Dees will be a straight swap, Clark for Lumumba.

Neither club would comment yesterday.

Clark has arguably more upside of the two and has the potential to be one of the club’s most important players.

Harry Lumumba has met with Melbourne coach Paul Roos. Photo: Hamish Blair.

However, his history of series foot problems which sidelined Clark for all but 15 games in his three seasons at Melbourne also means he carries more risk.

Lumumba, 27, is seen as a more durable and reliable on-field prospect, despite some off-field issues which has prompted the defender to move on from Collingwood.

The dashing backman, who last year finished fifth in the Pies’ best and fairest award, has played at least 19 games in each of the past eight seasons.

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Lumumba has met with coach Paul Roos and is believed to look favourably at the chance to continue his 199-game career at AAMI Park.

If Clark gains medical clearance to restart his career, his arrival would add a missing piece of Buckley’s forward setup after struggling to score efficiently in the second half of the season.

The key forward-ruck would also help release All-Australian centre half-back Ben Reid back into defence after an injury-ravaged year as a forward.

Reid’s battle with recurring soft-tissue injuries meant the blue-chip key position player managed only four games, nine marks and 28 possessions in total for the year.

Originally published as Mitch Clark likely to become a Magpie via trade for Harry Lumumba