The injury-prone Cat will miss their round-one blockbuster against Hawthorn later this month – with no timetable set for a return to senior action – thanks to a persistent calf muscle problem.
Clark first hurt the calf in January and his recovery was going well, but it has flared again.
He only managed eight senior games after returning from retirement last season, again because of a calf muscle injury.
“Shattered that my body has let me down once again,” Clark posted on Instagram.
“I know some of you are saying ‘here we go again’ and ‘just give up’, but I refuse to accept that this is it.
https://twitter.com/mitchjclark/status/704582904228278272
“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity that Geelong have given me and the huge amount of support not only the club but the supporters have shown me.
“I will continue to do whatever it takes to get back out there with the boys and do what I love most.”
Cats football manager Steve Hocking said they expect Clark to be available early in the season.
“Mitch has had a solid pre-season and has put a lot of work in through the summer,” Hocking said in a club statement.
“His recovery was on track before this setback.”
https://twitter.com/mitchjclark/status/703890122064961537
Clark’s private battle with depression was thrust into the public spotlight when he retired from the Demons, who paid big money to lure him from Brisbane. He resumed his career with the Cats after time away from the game.
-AAP
