Mitch Clark has nominated Geelong as the club at which he wants to restart his AFL career.
Clark is still part of Melbourne’s squad, despite retiring in April due to depression.
That means the 26-year-old will have to enter the draft if the Cats and Demons are unable to agree on a suitable trade.
The ruck-forward’s medical advice suggested a change of scenery would be helpful.
Clark played his 97th AFL game in round four of the 2013 season, when he was sidelined with another foot problem.
He suffered a series of injuries in a promising career that started in 2005 when he was drafted by Brisbane.
Clark played alongside Geelong coach Chris Scott and his assistant Nigel Lappin at the Lions.
Meanwhile, Shaun Higgins has quit the Western Bulldogs and is expected to be picked up by North Melbourne.