GOODBYE MITCH CLARK

[P-man 13,366]

So this is where Mitch is at.

Since getting help his mental state has dramatically improved. This is clear for all to see. However, as others have pointed out clinical depression is a difficult beast that is not cured rather it is managed. We all hope Mitch learns to manage his depression so as he never falls to the depth of despair he did earlier this year. Getting professional help and reliving himself of the pressure of AFL football while he heals was the best thing he could have done.

Mitch has let the MFC know that he still harbours the desire to play AFL football in fact he never ruled it out, but he is under no illusion of how far he must come to get back to an AFL level and that he may for both physical and mental reasons never make it. Mitch has asked Misson to put him on long term program to condition his body back for a possible return to football at some level. Mitch has begun this training. It is a slow conditioning 12 month program. If things are going well both physically and mentally Mitch will consider making himself available for a rookie list position at the end of the year. However, he may decide he would prefer no pressure and decide to play local football next season. He may be unable to condition his body, he may relapse into depression in which case his retirement is permanent.

Only one thing is certain, if he does decide to pursue AFL ambitions again it will only be for the MFC. He will not be returning to WA, he does not want to play for any other club.

As much as the priority here is Mitch's health, reading the last line brought a big smile to my face. Thanks for the update.

[Cards13 9,117]

hows the O'Keefes & Dunns?

say hello to Leo if he's there. (sorry about his young brother).

don't ask who.

They are ok as far as I know mate, they were only around the first few years I joined the club. Leo has not dropped on for a few years now but last time he was ok even with the brothers passing.

Club struggled for a few years but is going from strength to strength with a young passionate committee and a huge group of players, we even have a 3rd's...

[dee-luded 2,959]

Umm ...yes.. yes they do recover. And in many (most) cases it is temporary and ongoing medication is not required.

However in some cases it can be re-occurring and triggers need to be carefully monitored. In more severe cases as you point out there is life long management with medication.

Depression has a very wide scale and breadths of severity.

and it often has continuous hills & troughs slowly thru the years. hopefully people develop strong foundations first before the illness.

mine is a reactionary illness, based in deep insecurity from a young age (toddler) & social phobia & a very gentle nature.

[dee-luded 2,959]

My depression cost me a job that I really loved. Whilst I can empathise with Mitch's predicament I would never presume to understand it. Depression is different for each individual. It has some common elements but the experience and outcomes vary so widely that it's dangerous to try and make definitive statements. I'm back in a job that I enjoy but I'm never sure when I'm going to be bitten by the black dog. Maybe we should all just wish him well and move on.

I think the thread can run, but imo we should stop the 'chatter'/noise about a possible return & just let him recover in his time.

but we all can still learn more from discussions here about this broad issue.

the more people learn about it, the less stigma there will be... and then more people can find some help & relief, & not feel so shut off.

Edited June 6, 2014 by dee-luded

[dee-luded 2,959]

They are ok as far as I know mate, they were only around the first few years I joined the club. Leo has not dropped on for a few years now but last time he was ok even with the brothers passing.

Club struggled for a few years but is going from strength to strength with a young passionate committee and a huge group of players, we even have a 3rd's...

I grew up with David, one of my bullies in early days... he didn't play. but was aggressive. sadly we fell out after I took him in around 2001, & then got him a job, he did the wrong thing by me due to his families common problems (not Leo) & I had to move him out.

He passed about 2.5 Yrs back. I didn't know about it, when I was down in Tassie. they tried to find me. It all happened at that time Sean, Jimma, my last Aunt, friend Rob, it seems all were leaving at once, then Slug...

#edit: Leo was in Devon Meadows.

# edit: nice to hear the club is growing,,, good luck for the sesaon 'Cards13'

Edited June 6, 2014 by dee-luded

[binman 42,972]

As much as the priority here is Mitch's health, reading the last line brought a big smile to my face. Thanks for the update.

Yep, me too. If the situaltion is as GNF suggests then i reckon that is a really mature, sensible way to go forward and one that has a big benefit. If indeed MFC is the only AFL club Mitch would consider playing with he can get arms length practical support from the club and also continue to benefit from the emotional connection with the club.

Not to say his ex team mates would not provide emotional support - i'm sure the friends he made at the dees do - but that sense of being connected to a club could only be a positive. As he has done already he can pop into the club to say high and get a lift from the boys and give them a lift. On a practical level it also means that stuff like getting the assistance of Misson with a training routine is more possible.

As i say a good sensible approach that may or may not means he comes back to the dees but much more importantly might really assist him in his efforts to overcome his mental health issues and reduce the likelihood of them being an issue in the future.

On a side note the idea that was floated, IIRC in a mean spirited fashion (and prior to his retirement) of him being a club photographer is actually not such a bad one.

[mauriesy 7,296]

I think the thread can run, but imo we should stop the 'chatter'/noise about a possible return & just let him recover in his time.

I doubt Mitch is sitting at home reading Demonland worrying about the chatter.

[daisycutter 29,616]

I doubt Mitch is sitting at home reading Demonland worrying about the chatter.

if he was maurie would that count as self-harm?

[Chook 15,013]

Me too.

Both because it means he's fit & healthy both physically and emotionally, and because he is a gun forward who will make us significantly better.

If Mitch is back in red & blue it is a massive win for absolutely everyone!

Not our opponents, that's for sure.

[beelzebub 23,376]

My depression cost me a job that I really loved. Whilst I can empathise with Mitch's predicament I would never presume to understand it. Depression is different for each individual. It has some common elements but the experience and outcomes vary so widely that it's dangerous to try and make definitive statements. I'm back in a job that I enjoy but I'm never sure when I'm going to be bitten by the black dog. Maybe we should all just wish him well and move on.

My depression cost me about 4-5 years of nothingness and quite probably a marriage. Wish I had the years back

[beelzebub 23,376]

Only one thing is certain, if he does decide to pursue AFL ambitions again it will only be for the MFC. He will not be returning to WA, he does not want to play for any other club.

greedy to want this in writing ?

[dees189227 12,394]

Damo elaborated more on the interview tonight. He said he is moving back to perth and going to play social footy with his brothers and will be back with his family.

Then mentioned freo and west coast will have to ask the question if he wants to play again.

[beelzebub 23,376]

I wish Mitch all the best but I dont beleive much else

What ever will be will be and wont be surprised by anything.

Folks can wish all they want......send all wants and desires to S.Claus Reindeer way NP

[dazzledavey36 54,944]

Damo elaborated more on the interview tonight. He said he is moving back to perth and going to play social footy with his brothers and will be back with his family.

Then mentioned freo and west coast will have to ask the question if he wants to play again.

Yep heard it too. Was always going to go back home.

Time to move on now and forget about him coming back.

All the best mitch.

[dee-luded 2,959]

I doubt Mitch is sitting at home reading Demonland worrying about the chatter.

not Mitch, others around the place that enter his sphere of life, who may question him about his intentions etc. well meaning afl supporters reading these ideas of return, people down the shop, etc.

IMO its better that we leave him retired at this stage and wait with hope, that something miraculous will happen & he will be recovered.

this will aid his peace of mind & recovery.

[beelzebub 23,376]

not Mitch, others around the place that enter his sphere of life, who may question him about his intentions etc. well meaning afl supporters reading these ideas of return, people down the shop, etc.

IMO its better that we leave him retired at this stage and wait with hope, that something miraculous will happen & he will be recovered.

this will aid his peace of mind & recovery.

I very much doubt it. Nothing really revolves one way or the other in the real world as a result of our thinkings

[dee-luded 2,959]

I very much doubt it. Nothing really revolves one way or the other in the real world as a result of our thinkings

of course but we here are ground central for talk of Melbournefc... journo's read here as do others clubs supporters.

talk of comebacks & stuff, is easy for rumours to get about, then the person in the Focus gets no peace. Some like Warnie love it, others recuperating don't need anyone asking about comebacks.

I'd be wanting to just shut it off, & be a person in the shop. Just a warm smile & a nice g'day, would be plenty.

[whatwhat say what 22,758]

So which is it? GNF says staying in Melbourne, Ferret-face says going home to Perth.

[Mickey 4,684]

So which is it? GNF says staying in Melbourne, Ferret-face says going home to Perth.

Mitch Clark says going back to Perth. Last weekend in Melbourne, according to his twitter

[Leoncelli_36 2,264]

Posted on Instagram as well. Declared this is his last weekend in Melbourne before heading home to Perth. You can rule out ever seeing him in red and blue again I think. Expect the Dockers to make a play for him next season.

[whatwhat say what 22,758]

yep.

once again, the dees get rooted.

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,834]

I'm so excited to see Clark in the purple jumper post pavlich. I can't wait to read all the good news stories when he makes his return in the 2016 nab cup for freo.

[Ethan Tremblay 30,861]

I'm so excited to see Clark in the purple jumper post pavlich. I can't wait to read all the good news stories when he makes his return in the 2016 nab cup for freo.

Regardless of whether you're joking or not....you're an idiot.

Let go...

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,834]

Regardless of whether you're joking or not....you're an [censored].

Let go...

Look, I'm being a pr..k about it but I'm not interested in good news stories if it doesn't involve us. Edited June 13, 2014 by Bring-Back-Powell

[Ethan Tremblay 30,861]

Look, I'm being a pr..k about it but I'm not interested in good news stories if it doesn't involve us.

What's the good news story exactly?

All his family are from Perth so makes sense he's moving home.

In regards to playing for Fremantle, it's not news, rather a suggestion from some moron on a forum.

Hardly any news in there.

Edited June 13, 2014 by Ethan Tremblay