Mitch Clark has been given an extended leave of absence to deal with personal issues. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited
MELBOURNE forward Mitch Clark has been given an extended leave of absence to deal with personal issues.
The Herald Sun understands Clark has been battling what the Demons are calling “health issues’ for some time, and will be given as much time as he needs.
Clark, recruited from the Brisbane Lions three years ago, has also been battling a debilitating foot problem for the past two years and is currently out with a calf issue.
But the Demons are aware they will need to help him continue with his ongoing treatment.
There is no return date set for Clark, with the Demons giving him as much time as he needs to recover from both his physical and health issues.
“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,” football manager Josh Mahoney said.
“Everyone at the Club is behind Mitch and will support him in every way possible.”
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Clark has not played this year, with his foot in good shape after playing only a handful of games in his past two seasons but hamstring and calf issues also setting him back.
His personal issues are believed to have intensified in recent weeks, with Clark not at Friday night’s members dinner.
The Demons play their season opener against St Kilda next weekend, with coach Paul Roos and the football department adamant Clark’s welfare is the only priority.
Clark is working closely with Melbourne’s medical staff to try to work through the issues he is facing.
More to come.
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