GEELONG forward Mitch Clark says he can't wait to feel like a footballer again as he closes in on playing his first game in 12 months on Sunday for the club's VFL team.

The 28-year-old played his most recent game for Geelong in round nine last season, just over 12 months to the day, in an injury-interrupted career that has seen him play 105 games and kick 111 goals in stints at the Brisbane Lions and Melbourne.  

The West Australian has played eight games with Geelong after stepping away from football due to mental health issues in 2014. 

However he is finally over the calf injury that set him back early in the new year and ready to resume his career as a ruckman/forward.

"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."

He said the Cats had been supportive throughout his hiatus but he has remained connected to the club and enjoyed having a match-day role in the coaches box.

Clark said he was not expecting much in terms of performance on Sunday when Geelong plays Williamstown at Simonds Stadium but it would be good to have a kick. 

"No doubt I'll be a bit rusty," he said.

Geelong skipper Joel Selwood said Clark's return was exciting for the footy club.

"We just hope that he gets out there and enjoys it this weekend," Selwood said. 

"He is a very, very good player and we just expect him to go out and do his best." 

Sam Menegola will also join Clark for his first game of the regular season after injuring his knee in the NAB Challenge.

Menegola has been on Hawthorn and Fremantle's rookie lists before Geelong drafted him in last year's draft.

The Cats believe he is a chance to find a spot in the midfield if he can string some VFL games together.