KEY FORWARD Mitch Clark is confident he will be ready for round one of 2013 as he continues his recovery from the 'Lisfranc' foot injury he suffered midway through last season. ??
The Demons gathered for pre-season training on Thursday but Clark was unable to join the players on the track, although he will resume treadmill running next week.
Related: Training photo gallery
He said he would be lying if he didn't admit to being concerned that complications might arise from the unusual injury but he has been heartened by the reports from the surgeon and physiotherapists.??
"[It's] a pretty serious injury, but I'm up and about now taking little victories," Clark said.
Clark was bedridden following surgery, and spent nine weeks on crutches and a further six weeks in a moon boot. ??
But he has built his fitness through use of the exercise bike and power walking, his mood buoyed by the club's active Gillette AFL Trade Period and the recruiting of another key forward in Chris Dawes and the 17-year-old Jesse Hogan. ??
Dawes is yet to start training but Hogan spent Wednesday night at Clark's place, the young West Australian under the 25-year-old's wing as he adjusts to life in Melbourne. ??
"He's a big boy for his age," Clark said.
"[He] tells me has not been in the gym for 12 months. I think he is lying."??
The banter has obviously begun. It must be pre-season.
