“Mitch … what’s his name?”

If retired forward Mitch Clark thought he could resume his AFL career at Fremantle, he got a none-too-subtle reality check on Tuesday.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon has effectively ruled out making a play for Clark, who retired in April due to depression but is now keen to return to AFL ranks in time for next season.

Clark was all set to join Fremantle at the end of 2011, but his last-minute decision to join Melbourne on a more lucrative deal has clearly left a sour taste at the Dockers.

“Mitch, what’s his name?” Lyon quipped when asked about the prospect of Clark coming to Fremantle.

“I would never make a close-ended statement … but he did have an opportunity to come here that he didn’t take.

“From me at the minute, I’m a bit confused by it all. From the outside, it’s a very serious issue. He seems like not a well man and mental health is clearly the issue.

“So I feel pretty uncomfortable even talking about it at the minute.

“I can’t speak for the list management committee, so we’d probably get together (to discuss it).”

Clark’s high-profile move from Brisbane to the Demons in 2011 proved to be a disaster.

A serious foot injury limited Clark to just 15 games over his first two seasons at Melbourne, before the 200cm spearhead called it quits in April after being diagnosed with clinical depression.

The 26-year-old feels he is ready for a playing return, but it’s unlikely he’ll remain at the Demons, with Collingwood rumoured to be a possible suitor.