When he inevitably comes to the realisation that he has made a huge mistake ...

Getting a mental illness is a huge mistake?

If he says he'll only play for the Demons and everyone else can get stuffed then I reckon we're in with a shot.

I think technically he can sign with anyone as a delayed free agent. That certainly wouldn't be within the spirit of the rule or I imagine the spirit of our agreement with him.

If he decides he wants to come back I hope he decides he wants to join the dees again. But I actually just hope he is Ok.

Short answer is yes he would be open to all clubs in the draft.

just like Luke Ball was....?

comebacks ......what about our own Bluey Truscott - fighter pilot.

Our 1954 skipper Collins - went to Korean War for a season as fighter pilot - and all the other service personnel.

Like Keith Miller said, "pressure is a Messerscmit up your arse."

so it's just up to him? He can just choose? It is not in the PSD or anything? Why is it any different to an 18 year old going through the ND? Is there no process of compensation that we gave Brisbane a pick 12 and spent huge amounts of money to have him for 2 years? I'm asking seriously if anyone knows the rules?

I would imagine he is still formally tied to the MFC until season's end because that is what his contract says. Normally we would formally delist him at season's end. If he were to indicate to the club at that time he wishes to make a comeback I see no reason why we could simply renew his contract without having to go through the draft. It is not as though anyone has replaced him on our list.

Any one disagree ?

I think technically he can sign with anyone as a delayed free agent. That certainly wouldn't be within the spirit of the rule or I imagine the spirit of our agreement with him.

If he decides he wants to come back I hope he decides he wants to join the dees again. But I actually just hope he is Ok.

You have to be a listed player in order to be a free agent. Delisted players are unrestricted free agents, but that doesn't apply to retired players. If it did, then any player could "retire" and go to any club they wanted, whenever they wanted.

I would imagine he is still formally tied to the MFC until season's end because that is what his contract says. Normally we would formally delist him at season's end. If he were to indicate to the club at that time he wishes to make a comeback I see no reason why we could simply renew his contract without having to go through the draft. It is not as though anyone has replaced him on our list.

Any one disagree ?

You're right. He's on the list til season's end.

Please...come back Mitch..

I hope its a sign but I highly doubt it.

If he did I'd pray like hell for him to be back in Red N Blue.

Why did he retire mid season?

He should've just stayed on the injury list and then make a decision at the end of the year.

Why did he retire mid season?

He should've just stayed on the injury list and then make a decision at the end of the year.

Because he wanted the monkey off his back.

Why did he retire mid season?

He should've just stayed on the injury list and then make a decision at the end of the year.

I think he announced retirement mid season so as to try to relieve some pressure. To lessen the burden of expectation. Having announced his retirement it takes the focus off his potential return and allows him to fully focus on his own self and well being.

He will be back playing for us next season

Nothing is surer

He will be back playing for us next season

Nothing is surer

Wipe your chin

He will be a delisted FA for the few DFA periods before next season.

After that he will be back in the draft.

S if he decides to come out of retirement next year, he will have to go through the ND and the PSD.

He will be back playing for us next season

Nothing is surer

Love your positive attitude hh.

Would be nice wouldn't it.

Getting a mental illness is a huge mistake?

no, but succumbing to it, and throwing away a gift and a dream because of it, is

he'll realise this sooner or later - once the dust has settled on this rough period of his life

but I guess 'mental health professionals' know better huh

i'm just praying PJ and co sorted out some kind of arrangement through contract loopholes or whatever that when he does return it is in red and blue and not one of competitors

I would imagine he is still formally tied to the MFC until season's end because that is what his contract says. Normally we would formally delist him at season's end. If he were to indicate to the club at that time he wishes to make a comeback I see no reason why we could simply renew his contract without having to go through the draft. It is not as though anyone has replaced him on our list.

Any one disagree ?

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2014-04-08/clarks-retirement-brave-mahoney

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2014-05-01/clark-officially-no-longer-a-demon

Why did he retire mid season?

He should've just stayed on the injury list and then make a decision at the end of the year.

to take the pressure of self & club expectations away, so he could start to recover. people who push themselves beyond whats reasonable, will start to break down in some area or another. some mild change, or major.

releasing the pressure, helps to become more balanced again.

Guys stop dreaming it is over.

Get your minds around a future MFC without Clark.

IMO there is only a slightly better chance of seeing Clark playing to the Dees than there is of seeing LJ suit up again for the MFC.

If the dream gets you through the night go on dreaming

But it is just that a dream daylight says it won't happen.

Guys stop dreaming it is over.

Get your minds around a future MFC without Clark.

IMO there is only a slightly better chance of seeing Clark playing to the Dees than there is of seeing LJ suit up again for the MFC.

If the dream gets you through the night go on dreaming

But it is just that a dream daylight says it won't happen.

dude how the F would you know

god it is annoying the definitive statements around here from people who are in no position whatsoever to be definitive

My understanding is that he would be a delisted free agent and able to go to the club of his choice. He would not be required to go through the draft.

It is also my understanding that he retired knowing that this was an option. I understand he has never completely given up on playing AFL again for Melbourne if his mental health improved as such.

I was told all this the week before he retired.

He will be back playing for us next season

Nothing is surer

Like when you said Watts and Howe would be dropped? (couldn't find your original post... strange)

Or how about when we would trade pick 2 for Lewis Jetta and Garry Rohan last trade period?

I have no issue with your optimism, but your constant false affirmation like "100%", "Nothing is surer", "You heard it here first", is frustrating and misleading.

Like when you said Watts and Howe would be dropped? (couldn't find your original post... strange)

Or how about when we would trade pick 2 for Lewis Jetta and Garry Rohan last trade period?

I have no issue with your optimism, but your constant false affirmation like "100%", "Nothing is surer", "You heard it here first", is frustrating and misleading.

Ok im a terrible poster, no need to rub it in though LOL

My understanding is that he would be a delisted free agent and able to go to the club of his choice. He would not be required to go through the draft.

It is also my understanding that he retired knowing that this was an option. I understand he has never completely given up on playing AFL again for Melbourne if his mental health improved as such.

I was told all this the week before he retired.

nice post GNF

youre always on the money so it was great to read that

He won't be a delisted free agent.because he has delisted himself, only players that are delist by their club.