MELBOURNE forward Mitch Clark has nominated Geelong as his preferred club in his bid to return to football, according to AFL.com.
The race for the 26-year-old’s services was down to the Cats and Collingwood, with Clark visiting the Cattery recently, helping to make his decision.
The forward retired from Melbourne in earlier this year after he was diagnosed with clinical depression. Clark has said he is looking for a fresh start at a new club.
Melbourne’s manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said the club accepted the decision.
“We understand Mitch’s position, he has indicated that Geelong would be his preferred club and that he would like us to get the best deal available for him,” he said.
“We will work with Geelong on what that deal looks like in the coming days.”
Coach Chris Scott sees Clark as helping fill a weak spot as a support forward to Tom Hawkins, with a number of players tried there this season with varying success.
He can also pinch-hit in the ruck, bolstering the ageing Hamish McIntosh and injury prone Dawson Simpson.
Geelong is still a leading contender in the race to secure another key position player from Melbourne in free agent James Frawley. He has yet to announce his preferences.
