Melbourne coach Mark Neeld told melbournefc.com.au there were a number of things the big forward needed to complete before he would be available for selection and he has managed to do that leading into this week.
"He should be right for round one, which is a great effort by the medical staff and Mitch," Neeld said.
Clark kicked 29 goals in 11 games in 2012 before injuring his foot in round 13 against Greater Western Sydney and shapes as vital to the Demons efforts to improve in 2013.
Neeld was more reserved regarding Jack Trengove and Chris Dawes' prospects of playing in round one, although they remain in the mix.
As Trengove has only done a few pre-seasons in his short career and played in the midfield, Neeld said there were other considerations that came into play in relation to his readiness for round one.
Neeld also said Dawes had been training at less than 100 per cent in the past fortnight and had not played due to soreness in his hamstring.
"He's been back in training for two weeks, so we'll see how he goes this week," Neeld said.
Mature-aged recruit Matt Jones is also under consideration with Neeld saying "we expect him to be around the selection table early in the piece".
About to enter its second year under Neeld, the club increased the volume and intensity at training by approximately 15 per cent since last summer.
