MITCH Clark is "more than likely" to push for a return to the AFL after retiring from the game in April because of his battle with mental illness.
However, it is understood the tall forward will seek a fresh start at a new club after negotiating his departure from Melbourne earlier this year.
Clark, who is yet to be officially delisted by Melbourne, has been training away from a club environment and is "in great shape", according to his manager Colin Young.
"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 on Sunday.
Clark retired from the AFL earlier this season, telling the Demons his battle with mental illness would not allow him to commit to a full-time career with the club.
"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 on Sunday afternoon.
"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."
After crossing from the Brisbane Lions, he played 15 games in two injury-riddled seasons with Melbourne and was contracted until the end of 2015.
The 26-year-old was due to be delisted at the end of this season and AFL.com.au has been told he is still expected to part ways with the club.
However, the Demons could seek to arrange a trade for the tall forward.
"I'd be lying if I didn't say I still miss footy," Clark said in June.
"Who knows what can happen, I'm 26 and doing a bit of training now.
"[I have] obviously let myself go a little bit, but [I have been] doing a bit of training now and the body's feeling good."
Clark has played 97 matches and kicked 97 goals since making his debut in 2006.
