Mitch Clark has made his long awaited return to football.
Clark played his first game in over 12 months in Geelong’s VFL loss to Sandringham on Sunday.
The Cats fell agonisingly close to the Zebras, ultimately losing by two points but Clark’s impact was prolific as he provided a target up forward and kicked three goals.
Clark racked up 13 possessions in limited game time and VFL Coach Shane O’Bree was impressed with his output.
“It’s really exciting, we’ve just got to keep him ticking along nicely and just build him week in, week out to give himself the best chance of playing AFL football sooner,” O’Bree said.
“With a fit Mitch Clark, we have a dangerous forward up our sleeves and might need to fit him in our AFL team.”
Despite the lengthy spell on the sidelines after an extended rehabilitation program for a calf injury, Clark said that nerves didn’t play an issue before the match.
“I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I’d be. I was really just excited about getting back out there and getting a bit of reward for the rehab process,” he said.
“I was coming in to the game with very low expectations of playing and I just wanted to enjoy the game.”
Clark was disappointed in the result of the match but couldn’t be happier with his teammates in the role that they played in his return to football.
“A bit disappointed we couldn’t get the win in the end but the boys fought it out with limited numbers on the bench and it just feels good to be back playing footy again.
“The boys have been awesome in supporting me and that’s what it is all about I suppose, getting out there with my mates and playing footy,” Clark said.
Clark played significant periods of the game up forward but was also thrown into the ruck and registered five hitouts for the match.
The 28-year-old was also happy to get through the match injury free and he credits the work of the Cats coaching and fitness staff for the work they put in during his rehab.
“I actually felt okay," he said. "The rehab process has been a long one and we have been pretty conservative.
“I felt I was ready to go a couple of weeks ago but the medical staff and the coaching group held me back another couple of weeks to get that work and it has definitely helped.”
The biggest positive for Clark is his ability to have trust in his body, something he hopes to maintain for the rest of his career.
“I know that I have put the work in, that gives me confidence that if something was to pop up, hopefully it’s something little, that we can deal with it.
“It’s going to be a constant management but I’ve definitely put in the work so the confidence is growing,” Clark said.
The former Demon and Lion said he often questioned whether he would make it back on to the footy field, making his return even more satisfying.
“You do doubt yourself through the rehab process if you are ever going to get back and it has been challenging at times,” he said.
“I’ve just had great support from the footy club, my family and my wife so it has been really rewarding to get back and play footy.”
Clark said he struggled during the rehab process and being away from the game for extended periods of time is difficult to endure.
“I just love playing footy, that’s what I want to do and when that gets taken away from you, it can get tough at times.
“Rehab can be a lonely place but the footy club is a great support for me.”
Whilst Cats fans would love to see Clark back in the AFL side soon, he isn’t looking too far ahead and is keen to get some consistency in his game.
“I would like to get a few games in and get that match fitness up,” Clark said.
“I will have to earn my spot, the team is playing really good footy at the moment so I will have to earn my spot and it is a challenge I am looking forward to.”
