Mitchell Clark Biography

Mitch Clark believes his passion for photography can help shed light on athletes struggling with mental health issues.

Clark moved back to Geelong from Perth last weekend, ready to start a new career and determined to use his skills with a camera to raise awareness of what some sportspeople at all levels contend with.

His plan is to tell athletes' stories through photographs taken in their homes or in places when they're away from the spotlight.

"I want to create change," he said.

Mitch Clark is delisted by Geelong after managing just nine games in his two seasons with the Cats due to injuries.

"Unfortunately Mitch suffered a number of injuries during his two years at Geelong and as a result, wasn't able to perform to his true capability," Cats football manager Steve Hocking said.

"We thank Mitch for his time at the club and wish him and his family all the best for their future."

Geelong coach Chris Scott has dismissed reports that Mitch Clark's future at the Cats is at risk following an alleged rift with teammate Mitch Duncan, labelling such claims "an extraordinary stretch".

On Monday evening, Fairfax Media reported Clark made sexist remarks to Hawthorn-listed player Teia Miles in the VFL that were allegedly directed towards his sister, who is Duncan's long-term partner.

It was alleged Clark sledged Miles on multiple occasions during the Cats' clash against Box Hill at Simonds Stadium on June 19.

The report said Duncan later became aware of the comments, which prompted him to confront his Geelong teammate.

Scott confirmed the incident on Monday night, but strongly rejected claims the on-field sledge would have a bearing on Clark's playing future at the Cats.

"That's an extraordinary stretch to suggest that this would have any impact on his position on the list," Scott told Fox Footy.

"It would have almost no impact, that's the significance of the issue – it's very minor without being disrespectful to the people involved.

"In terms of player relations at Geelong, things are very healthy."

Mitch Clark says he looking forward to playing his first game in 12 months for Geelong's VFL team.

"It's been a while in between drinks," Clark told Geelong's website.

"I'm just excited for the weekend and to get back playing footy."

Mitch Clark will miss the Cats' season opener against Hawthorn after suffering a setback in his recovery from a calf injury.

Clark, who has a history of soft-tissue injuries, had been battling the problem since January but was said to be on track to resume playing by the season opener.

"This is frustrating for Mitch and for the club, but we expect that he will continue to rehab the injury and be available early in the season," Geelong football manager Steve Hocking said.

"Mitch has had a solid preseason and has put a lot of work in through the summer.

"His recovery was on track before this setback, and he will continue to work hard to get back on the field with his teammates."

Mitch Clark is making good progress in his return from the calf injuries that prematurely ended his 2015 season, but Geelong will take a cautious approach with the spearhead's pre-season training until after Christmas.

Clark did not play a senior game after round nine this year due to a succession of calf strains on both legs.

"He's running without any problems and hasn't had any issues with his calves, but we won't be rushing him," Geelong football manager Steve Hocking said.

"He'll have a slow build-up before Christmas, we'll be fairly selective with the training he does, and then we should be able to ramp things up after the break.

"It will be a slow burn for Mitch, but we're confident that's the best approach."

Mitch Clark has recovered from the calf injury that kept him sidelined for the second half of the season and is expected to begin pre-season training when the Cats return in November.

"He's fully recovered," Geelong football manager Steve Hocking said.

"He's doing off-season training [so has] been at the club regularly for the past couple of weeks now. He will [then] join back into pre-season training when everyone returns."

Geelong coach Chris Scott says the club is taking a cautious approach to Mitch Clark's rehabilitation from a calf injury.

"It's been a little more problematic than we would have hoped," Scott said.

"But as we stated really clearly in the pre-season, we never had any intention to bring Mitch in and flog him for all he's worth in the short term.

"Irrespective of his calf injury, we were always going to be really careful with his playing program to make sure we have a long-term asset on our hands."

Mitch Clark finishes Friday night's win over Collingwood visibly emotional, not taking part in the Cats' team song after the game.

Clark, who kicked two goals in the Cats' 41-point victory, appeared to be consoled by Geelong coach Chris Scott in the MCG rooms after the match.

Broadcast vision showed the 27-year-old walk in with the team but not join in their celebrations, instead being shepherded into another area.

Geelong coach Chris Scott says the Cats will rally around key forward Mitch Clark whenever he needs support after the 26-year old was seen in emotional distress following the Cats' win over Collingwood.

"I'm going to be really careful speaking on Mitch's behalf and make sure that we respect the sensitivities around it," Scott said.

"I've been in contact with Mitch and spent a bit of time with him afterwards, but Mitch just needs to know that we are there for him.

"I'm certainly not suggesting that there is a huge problem. The honest answer is we just don't know if there is a problem or not."

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says he is confident key defender Brian Lake said nothing offensive to Geelong forward Mitch Clark during Monday's game at the MCG and is disappointed the 33-year-old's name has been connected with the allegations.

"I'm disappointed for 'Lakey'. It's a bit difficult to clear your name when it's already been put out there," Clarkson said.

"I know through speaking to him and our other players that he said nothing of the sort, so to have his name smeared by people who just allege that he said something makes it more difficult."

Earlier, Clark himself had denied, via Twitter, outing Lake and says he is keen to put the matter behind.

"Reports are completely false. Never named Brian Lake. Story blown way out of proportion and I wanna just get on with the footy," Clark tweeted.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood has revealed he was made aware post-match of comments directed at Mitch Clark during the Easter Monday clash against Hawthorn.

"I have had a discussion with him since the game, there was things brought up about it but we've had discussions before with Mitch and we understand this might be a possibility to come up," Selwood said.

"Personally, I wouldn't be going out there and saying it but if people choose to do it then he's ready for it."

Hawthorn defender Josh Gibson said it was the first he had heard of the incident.

"I played at that end of the ground and I didn't hear anything like that being said but I wasn't standing next to him to whole day. It's the first I've heard about it," Gibson said.

"They've probably put things in place to prepare him to hear things like that but you don't want to be hearing that on the field when it's a topic as delicate as that."

Brian Lake is named by Geelong as the player to have allegedly sledged Mitch Clark about his mental illness.

Lake, however, remains adamant he did not vilify the new Cats forward.

Whilst Hawthorn has neither officially confirmed or denied the event, the club has agreed that Clark's challenges in dealing with depression should be off limits during verbal exchanges on the field.

"We have found it difficult to get clarity on what was said and by whom," a statement from Hawthorn said.

"However, both clubs agree that any comments made regarding a person's mental health issues are completely inappropriate and out of bounds on the footy field."

Mitch Clark has told friends he was severely "embarrassed" by reports he was verbally sledged about his depression during the Easter Monday Geelong-Hawthorn clash, describing the incident as "water off a duck's back" and that he was disappointed the story had become public.

Although he later mentioned an incident to his football boss Steve Hocking, Clark has told the club he does not want the issue further investigated.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood has been surprised by what star recruit Mitch Clark has produced in his short time at the club.

"It has been a little bit surprising because he's come in and made a big impact and he's really enjoying the place," Selwood said.

"But on the other hand it's not so surprising. He's a quality guy and works really hard on the training track. He's just a really loveable person to be around too."

Mental health campaigner Wayne Schwass says he is confident Mitch Clark can handle the new expectations on him after being given a new lease on AFL life by the Cats.

"With the time Mitch spent away, he now understands a lot of the trigger points … and a lot of the things he can implement in his day-to-day life," Schwass said.

"He's got a very supportive football club and I've got a fair bit of confidence that he's in a really good place.

"The expectations are really only external. He's achieved his greatest goal, and that was to play a game of footy again when 12 months ago it was the furthest thing that would happen."

Mitch Clark demonstrated what an asset he might become at Geelong after kicking six goals and steering the Cats to a win against Adelaide in their NAB Challenge clash at Simonds Stadium.

"We know Mitch is a really talented player and someone who's going to fit into our system," Geelong assistant Nigel Lappin said.

"We think the whole mix down there in the forward line complement each other really well."

Geelong coach Chris Scott says spending two years as a teammate of Mitch Clark in Brisbane influenced his decision to recruit the big man to the Cats.

"Knowing him from back at my time in Brisbane absolutely helped in the decision-making process for me," Scott said.

"We needed to do a lot of work with the medical experts and his doctors to make sure we were comfortable with that.

"But my assessment was easier than some of our other staff members because I'd had the two years with him and I rated him very highly."

Mitch Clark will play his first game since round 4, 2013 when he makes his debut in Geelong colours against Gold Coast in the NAB Challenge in Townsville.

Geelong is confident big-name recruit Mitch Clark will be fit to resume his AFL career against Hawthorn in round one.

"All the indications are that round one is a pretty good target for Mitch," Geelong coach Chris Scott said.

"Mitch [has] been a really good addition to our program. What he brings in terms of his knowledge of the game and his experience – he's added another dimension."

Mitch Clark says he would love to still be playing for Melbourne, but his decision to join Geelong was based around how "comfortable" he felt when he first walked through the doors at Simonds Stadium.

"I felt extremely comfortable walking through the door here and that's probably what got me over the line (to sign with Geelong) in the end," Clark said.

"I just felt so comfortable as soon as I walked in and the boys want to win and I want to win so we share the same needs out of our footy."

Mitch Clark will resume his AFL career in 2015 with Geelong after a three-way trade that sees Heritier Lumumba join Melbourne and Cats midfielder Travis Varcoe head to Collingwood.

Harry Taylor says he thinks former Demon Mitch Clark is just what Geelong needs up forward.

"He seems like someone who would train really hard and play with that competitive spirit that is important as a Geelong player," Taylor said.

"We'd be very happy if we could get the deal and he could come to us and play as a forward and maybe a little bit in the ruck. That would really help us."

Mitch Clark's manager Colin Young says the Melbourne-listed forward's passion for the game is as strong as he's ever seen.

"It was like when I first met him at 16 or 17, the passion he has now is stronger than I've ever seen," Young told NAB AFL Trade Radio.

"He was pretty keen, if he went back to Melbourne, to deliver on why they gave up the early pick (No. 12) [to secure his services in 2011].

"In saying that of course he's had the injuries and he hasn't been on the field."

Mitch Clark has nominated Geelong as his preferred club as he seeks to reignite his AFL career in 2015.

"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," Melbourne's manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said.

"We will work with Geelong on what that deal looks like in the coming days."

Geelong is the latest club to express its interest in Mitch Clark as the former Melbourne spearhead nears a decision on his football future.

Cats defender Corey Enright says the club would love to have Mitch Clark working with Tom Hawkins in Geelong's forward line.

"He's obviously proven on the big stage before that he's a quality player, so you'd be foolish not to look at guys like that," Enright said.

"It's probably well documented that we're looking for someone to give Tom Hawkins a chop out, so I can't see why he wouldn't do that."

Reports have emerged that disgruntled Pie Heritier Lumumba could be used as a straight swap for the troubled Demon Mitch Clark.

The chase for Lumumba is heating up, with North Melbourne reportedly joining Melbourne in pursuit of the Collingwood premiership defender.

North Melbourne reportedly appeals to Lumumba because of his association with football boss Geoff Walsh and coach Brad Scott, who was formerly a Magpies assistant.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says he would be keen to have Mitch Clark at the Magpies.

"Mitch has been really clear in his communication to us that he doesn't want to leave Melbourne in the lurch, but his (medical) advice is that he needs a fresh environment, a fresh start to give himself the best chance to take the next step in his life," Buckley said.

"I think he's absolutely committed to take the next step with his footy. I think he feels like … there's some unfinished business and he's got some talent that's been unfulfilled.

"We'd love to have him at the football club but there's still plenty to play out."

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has all but ruled out trying to lure key forward Mitch Clark to Fremantle, saying he had his chance to join the Dockers and didn't take it.

"Mitch … what's his name?" Lyon said.

"I think he had an opportunity to come to this club that he didn't want to come to.

"I can't speak for the list management committee so we'd probably get together (to discuss it).

"I understand that he's not a very well young man, that's what I know.

"From me at the minute, I'm a bit confused by it all. On the outside, it's a very serious issue. He seems like not a well man and mental health is clearly the issue.

"So, I feel pretty uncomfortable talking about it at the minute."

Clubs insist Mitch Clark must pass fitness and psych tests before a possible return to AFL.

"If he does do another fitness test with the Melbourne footy club and doesn't get through then he won't be playing next year," Clark's manager Colin Young told SEN radio.

"Whether it's with Melbourne or any club it'll be a psychological test or a fitness test to see where his well-being is."

Mitch Clark's manager Colin Young says his client is more than likely to push for a return to the AFL.

"It is more than likely he will put his hand up and attempt to get back into the AFL," Young told Channel Nine in a statement.

The Demons could now seek to arrange a trade for the tall forward.

Mitch Clark is understood to want a return to football in 2015, but not with the Demons.

Melbourne, however, want a say in where Clark plays next year.

"This decision by Mitch to investigate the potential of returning to play AFL is something we would expect Mitch to discuss with us," Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said in a statement.

"Our focus has been on Mitch's health and wellbeing. When the decision was made earlier in the year, it was on the advice that removing the pressure of being an AFL player was the best thing for Mitch's health."

Mitch Clark has left the door open to a return to football as he recovers from depression.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I still miss footy," Clark told The Footy Show.

"Who knows what can happen, I'm 26, doing a bit of training now, (I have) obviously let myself go a little bit but (have been) doing a bit of training now and the body's feeling quite good."

Clark says stepping away from football has been beneficial for his mental health.

"I'm very happy with the decision I've made. Obviously I miss the boys and miss the Melbourne footy club a little bit," Clark said.

"But part of me getting better was stepping away from that (football club) and I feel as though I'm getting better.

"It's up and down, I have good days and bad. At the moment I'm having probably more good days than bad. I feel like I've gone over the hump and I'm getting better."

Mitch Clark's departure from Melbourne has been made official, with the two parties agreeing to terms relating to his retirement.

It means Clark will be removed from the club's list and none of his entitlements will be included in the Demons' 2015 salary cap.

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney confirmed arrangements had been made, but they would remain confidential.

A depression diagnosis results in Mitch Clark announcing his retirement at just 26 years of age.

"This was a very brave decision by Mitch. There would be other players who are going through the same thing who might have made a different decision," Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said in a press conference.

"It got to the point where his health was hampering him getting back to AFL football and that's why the decision was made."

Alex Georgiou has been upgraded to Melbourne's senior list ahead of the club's round one clash against St Kilda, taking the place of Mitch Clark who has been placed on the club's long-term injury list.

Melbourne has confirmed it will place Mitch Clark on its long-term injury list as the key forward takes personal leave from the club to deal with ongoing health issues.

Mitch Clark will spend an indefinite timeframe away from the Melbourne Football Club to deal with his wellbeing.

The Demons have recently granted personal leave to the forward and will continue to work closely with him and his doctors.

"The club's main priority is to provide Mitch with the help he needs during this time. Clearly football comes last in this situation - Mitch is also overcoming a calf injury, and will continue to rehab and condition his physical injury during this period," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"Everyone at the club is behind Mitch and will support him in every way possible."

A hamstring will keep Mitch Clark out of Melbourne's season opener against St Kilda.

Mitch Clark's return to full training is delayed due to hamstring soreness.

"He's been out of the game for a long time, so we probably expected some little hiccups along the way, but it really is just a little hiccup," Melbourne fitness boss Dave Misson said.

"We're expecting him to really be back in full training pretty soon."

Mitch Clark says he will not rush his return as recovers from a serious foot injury.

"I can't afford to look too far ahead because a lot can change in a week and being out for so long I just need to get to a point where I am able to get through the weeks," Clark said.

"The biggest way for me to have an impact is to be out there so that is what my main goal is - to be out there as much as I can and play a role for the team."

Mitch Clark hopes to return from a foot injury in the pre-season NAB Challenge in preparation for round one.

"I'll be putting my hand up [to play in the NAB Challenge] and I'd definitely like to play some footy before round one, so I'd imagine I'd be ready to go," Clark said.

"I'm just feeling really refreshed and excited for 2014 and I've been able to get through a few sessions now, which is good. I just want to get through to Christmas and then have a bit of a break again and then get going for round one."

Melbourne caretaker coach Neil Craig says Mitch Clark needs to be training by the end of this season so he can prepare himself to be ready for Melbourne's pre-season.

"[He] probably needs to be training by the end of this season so that when the club reconvenes for the pre-season he's actually done a fair bit of work over that break. He's looking forward to that," Craig said.

Melbourne describes Mitch Clark's rehabilitation from a serious foot injury as 'career defining'.

"When he's going to be back, we're not 100 per cent sure, but we're conscious that this is really a career-defining rehab for Mitch," Demons elite performance manager Dave Misson said.

"It's an injury that just needs a bit of time, and that's something that we want to give Mitch, because it is a very important rehab for a unique and serious injury."

Mitch Clark says his foot is feeling fine and hopes to return to be playing again soon.

"When I originally did the first injury, I had staples inserted in there. Just before Christmas I had those staples removed because I snapped one of those," Clark said.

"While the surgeon was in there doing that surgery, the Lisfranc joint was a little bit loose so I had a screw inserted in there.

"The last few weeks I've been battling away with the foot a little bit. I got to the point where I wasn't able to get up anymore so we decided to take the screw out and it's relieved some pressure."

Colin Garland, Sam Blease and Mitch Clark pledge support for embattled coach Mark Neeld after the Demons were thumped by Essendon to the tune of 148 points.

"As a group we've really got to stick together and find out who cares about the place," Garland said.

"We're 100 per cent behind Neeldy, we're just in a tough spot at the moment, hopefully we can get out of it," Blease said.

"We want to play for Neeldy, we love having Neeldy here, we're in this together. It's not just Neeldy - Neeldy's not out there on the ground," Clark said.

Mitch Clark admits to at times being despondent as he recovers from a severe Linsfrac tear in his right foot.

"You do go through a few dark times there, it's a long hard battle in rehab," Clark said.

"Being out for so long you're trying to figure out whether you can still play footy I guess, but I've gained confidence in training over the last month and obviously I'm going to get better as time goes by."

Melboure coach Mark Neeld says the club is aiming to have Mitch Clark available for round one.

"Our medical staff have been really strong in their projection from the day after Mitch had his foot reconstruction, that the aim was round one," Neeld said on Wednesday.

"We haven't deviated from the possibility of that happening. His final hurdle was to play in a hitout, and he'll do that on the weekend.

"He'll be full scale, go for your life. The club doctor is saying he's ready to go, so we'll let him go for the full game and he should be fine."

Mitch Clark has another operation to remove the staples from his injured foot as he recovers from a Lisfranc injury.

Adelaide could have had Mitch Clark in a straight swap deal for Kurt Tippett last year if the Crows had put the right offer to him.

"Adelaide never came up, never ever came up," Clark's manager Colin Young said.

"Mitch would have gone. There's no problems with Adelaide, they're a great club. You wouldn't mind any player going there.

"In the end Melbourne's presentation was too good to refuse (but) the Crows could have matched the offer."

Injured Melbourne star Mitch Clark takes a vital step forward in his recovery from a serious foot injury by running on an AlterG treadmill.

"You can adjust the percentage of your body weight which you're running at, which is a pretty good tool for us," Melbourne's elite performance manager Dave Misson said.

"For Mitch at the moment, it's about controlling the load that's going through his foot, so this treadmill allows us to start him today (Monday) at 80 per cent of his body weight."

Mitch Clark expects to be available for the 2013 season opener after undergoing surgery for a foot injury.

"I was shattered when doc told me I would have to have surgery," Clark said.

"I was pretty gutted. It sort of did not sink in for a few days that my season was over until I was probably sitting at the hospital waiting to go in [for surgery].

"I have tried to stay positive about the whole thing and not let it get to me. I reckon I have had one or two days where it has got me down a fair bit but other than that I have been pretty positive."

Injured Demons forward Mitch Clark will have surgery on the foot he hurt against GWS.

"After further scans and consulting surgeons yesterday (Tuesday), it was decided that the best course of action was to operate on Mitch's foot to repair the tear,"Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said.

Melbourne forward Mitch Clark's year is over after being diagnosed with a 'Lisfranc' injury to the middle part of his foot, sustained during a marking contest in round 13 against GWS.

The injury can result if bones in the midfoot are broken or displaced, or if ligaments supporting the midfoot are torn.

"He's obviously very disappointed about it," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"He's had such an influence on the group already this year and had just started the second part of the year with a good win and was very keen to continue that along and play against his old club so that is extremely frustrating for him.

"The club will now investigate the best course of action to repair and rehabilitate Mitch's injury. We want to ensure he has a smooth return to football in 2013."

Mitch Clark is taken to hospital for scans after a sickening fall where he landed on his neck following a marking attempt in a loss to the Bulldogs.

Scans clear Melbourne forward Mitch Clark of any structural damage after he landed on his head and was knocked unconscious against Richmond.

Melbourne ruckman Mitch Clark admits the criticism leveled at him by former coach Leigh Matthews hurt after Matthews suggested that Ben Hudson would be a better recruit for the Lions than Clark would be for the Demons.

"He's entitled to his opinion," Clark said.

"Hudson is going to be a great pick up for the Lions I'm sure. Hopefully I can be a good pick up for the Demons. I'm not sure we're going to worry about what anyone else is saying. What I care about is how my teammates and coaches see me within the club."

Matthew Leuenberger has indicated the Lions would not be welcoming Mitch Clark with open arms on Saturday night.

It's been a couple of months since he's gone and the group's moved on without him and found new targets up forward and new leaders at the club to replace him," Leuenberger said.

"I'm sure once we get out there there'll be a few boys that might take it differently, but we'll wait and see how we go."

Mitch Clark has become a surprise member of Melbourne's leadership group.

"I was pretty surprised," Clark said.

"I just wanted to come here and earn the respect of my teammates and the staff here. Obviously, with this tag, I've earned a bit of respect, but I've still got a long way to go."

The arrival of recruit Mitch Clark could lead to a slightly different role for Mark Jamar next season.

"It might mean I can rotate forward a little more often with Mitch, or whether I continue to play the same amount of game time in the ruck," Jamar said.

"He is a great addition to our team and it is going to be really good for us."

New Melbourne recruit Mitch Clark has been offered club legend Jim Stynes' famous No. 11 guernsey.

"I don't know Jim personally, but just the way people talk about him at the footy club, he's a great," Clark said.

"I haven't spoken to him personally yet. I'm looking forward to the opportunity of doing so ... I'll make a decision after that. I'll talk to Jim first and get a feel for the whole thing."

After initially setting his sights on joining Fremantle, Mitch Clark found Melbourne's offer too tempting to refuse.

"I probably had my heart set on going back to Freo but this came up and I thought long and hard about it and I'm happy that we got a deal done," he said.

"After speaking to my family it was an easy decision. They gave me their blessing to come over here and look after my immediate family, my partner and my daughter."

Mitch Clark agrees to join Melbourne from the Brisbane Lions just 24 hours after saying he only wanted to play for Fremantle.

If we were to match Melbourne's offer to Mitch it would make him the highest paid player at our club over the next four seasons and we are not prepared to compromise our list management model to achieve that outcome," Fremantle list manger Chris Bond said.

"It's disappointing that Mitch has decided not to follow through on his commitment to sign with Fremantle."

Mitch Clark looks set to reject Melbourne's 'tempting' offer, nominating Fremantle as his preferred destination.

"I'm not quite sure with Brisbane and Fremantle, they've been quite quiet in letting myself and Mitchell know what's transpiring so I'm not 100 per cent (sure) what the last offer was," Clark's manager Colin Young said.

"I'm happy to let you know he's going to try his luck and wait until Monday and hopefully we get it done and if we don't, as we all know, Melbourne are in the box seat."

Melbourne has confirmed it is targeting Brisbane Lions big man Mitch Clark.

Melbourne have a lot of things to offer and Fremantle has things to offer," Clark's manager Colin Young said.

"It was just a balance of putting down on paper what were the positives and negatives of both offers. They're both very good. The pitch from Melbourne was outstanding and he has to reflect on what's been offered."

Mitch Clark's manager Colin Young says the Lions may have to compromise their expectations for a top draft pick while trying to agree on a trade with Fremantle.

"The draft has been compromised and unfortunately Brisbane deserve a top-10 pick but they probably won't get it if Fremantle can't negotiate down," Young said.

"That's just the nature of the beast and so they're going to have to accept, if it's pick 16 and something else, they're going to have to accept that."

Mitch Clark's manager Colin Young says he is confident his client will land in Fremantle during trade week as expected.

"Mitch has met with Fremantle, he's met with Ross [Lyon], and he just loves where they're going and he want to be there," Young said.

"I think he is Fremantle-bound."

The Brisbane Lions are unhappy with Fremantle's offer for homesick ruckman Mitch Clark.

"I think we value Mitch in a different way to what Fremantle values him at this stage," Lions national talent manager Rob Kerr said.

"We feel we've put a fair position, but it takes two to negotiate and we haven't seen much of that. If a deal's not done, then Mitch is a required player at Brisbane, and we'll be doing our best to retain him from then on."

The Brisbane Lions have demanded a first-round draft pick and two players from Fremantle in exchange for big man Mitch Clark.

"For me, he's a required player and he's a very good player. You don't give them away, let's put it that way," Lions coach Michael Voss said.

"When you've looked and recruited and made some of your projections based on who you think will and won't be here, it's important we get adequate compensation.'

The Brisbane Lions have confirmed Mitch Clark has requested a trade back to his home state of WA.

"Mitch informed the club over the weekend of his desire to return to WA and we understand the reasons behind his request," Lions general manager of football operations Dean Warren said.

"While we are extremely disappointed to lose an athlete with Mitch's attributes, we will now work towards getting the greatest possible outcome for the Lions, should a trade be able to be achieved."

Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss believes out-of-contract star Mitch Clark will remain at the club next year despite rumours of links to GWS.

"We'll wait and see. We've stated our case of what we want. We've gone down the process of engaging, there's been dialogue that's happened, so it's just a matter of making sure that gets to the next step," Voss said.

"He's a required player here. You've got to have a good strong stable group coming together and that takes time, and I see some of those signs coming together."

Mitch Clark kicks five goals against the Crows and is hoping to cement a spot as a forward in the last two games of the season with more game time.

"I love the game time and I think most of the boys do, but that's the way footy's going these days," he said.

"I like the old school way of taking your opponent on one on one and trying to run them into the ground. I can't impact the game as much if I'm playing 50 to 60 per cent game time... that's the way it's gone this year."

The Brisbane Lions have the depth to cover a defence further depleted by another injury, says ruckman Mitch Clark.

Rebounding half-back Drummond suffered a calf injury in the first quarter of Saturday night's six-point loss against Carlton and did not return to the field.

"You always want Drummo in your side," he said.

"He's a great kick, probably one of the best kicks going around a the moment so he provides a lot of that drive, but hopefully the boys can pick up the slack in that sort of area if Drummo misses."

Brisbane Lions ruckman Mitch Clark has taken up the mantle of number-one after the loss of Jamie Charman and Matthew Leuenberger.

"I'm just enjoying my footy at the moment and enjoying the task and the challenge of going up against the ruckmen, so hopefully I can continue with my form and provide a contest for the team," Clark said.