MITCH Clark is set to play his first game in more than a year when he takes his place in Geelong's VFL side next weekend.
The Cats have confirmed Clark, 28, will line up for the club's VFL side against Sandringham on June 5 at Simonds Stadium.
Both Clark and injured midfielder Sam Menegola would have been available to play in the VFL this weekend, but their returns have been delayed because Geelong has a bye.
Midfield recruit Scott Selwood is also not too far away from a return after surgery on his ankle in October last year and the Cats are hopeful he may appear in the VFL in the middle of June.
"He’s certainly doing some stuff indoors on the harder surfaces with his ankle," Cats coach Chris Scott said last week.
"We've been consistent with our long-term approach with Scott and we just want to make sure when he does get back that he stays back for the next seven or eight years.
"He is not too far away, we have got a couple in the same boat. Mitch Clark and Sam Menegola both look like starting footy in the next three or four weeks, with the depth we're developing particularly in our midfield that is exciting."
Clark has not played since injuring his calf in the Cats' 56-point loss to West Coast in round nine last season.
The key forward has had a history of soft-tissue problems and reinjured his calf in January.
He suffered another setback in late February, adding further time to his recovery period.
Clark, who is out of contract at season's end, has ramped up his running program in recent weeks and joined teammates in full training earlier this month.
He has moved well in training drills and appears in top physical shape.
Menegola injured the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the Cats' first NAB Challenge match against Collingwood on February 26.
The former Fremantle and Hawthorn rookie-listed player had been a standout throughout the pre-season and is considered the second-best endurance athlete at the club, behind Mark Blicavs.
The 24-year-old played in Subiaco’s premiership side in the WAFL in 2015 before being selected at pick 66 by the Cats in the NAB AFL Draft.
Defender Tom Lonergan will almost certainly return against Carlton after missing the club's clash against Collingwood last weekend with concussion.
Lincoln McCarthy (hip flexor) and Jake Kolodjashnij (hand) face fitness tests later in the week.