COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse has continued his discussions with Marty Clarke in the hope the former Magpie will resurrect his AFL career next year.

Malthouse spoke at length with the 22-year-old on Thursday night at the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) reception for the Australian and Irish International Rules Series teams in Limerick.

"I spent as much time as I possibly could with him," he joked.

"I met him last night, we had a reception next door and I didn't leave his side. When I did, Dane Swan took over.

"I've kept an absolute eye on him, don't make a mistake about that. I could tell you every kick he's had."

Swan, who is one of two Magpies in Ireland for the two-Test series, said he would be keen for a reunion with his former teammate.

"Just caught up with marty Clarke (sic), he is a good man. Hope he comes back," Swan posted on Twitter after the reception.

Clarke is one of five players with AFL experience to be named in Ireland's squad.

He left Collingwood at the end of last year after 46 games to pursue an All-Ireland title with County Down.

He was cruelly denied his plan when the team lost last month's final by one point.

Malthouse, who coached Collingwood to its 15th premiership earlier this month, said Clarke could have made the side he took into the finals.

"He certainly would have been pushing to be a part of it," he said.

"He's a wonderful player.

"We were very disappointed [he left] but we totally understood. We're very hopeful.

"Life's like that. Things change around, things happen and players come and go."

Malthouse said he was confident Clarke would make the right decision when it came to which country he played football in next year.

"Marty's been a part of [the AFL] and now he's back playing what he loves, and whether he comes back or not, it would be great for us and great for him but it will be a little phase within both competitions," he said.

"We don't get too caught up. They come back or come over or we lose a player. Someone goes to another club.

"It's part of the rules, it's part of life, move on."

Clarke declined to comment when asked about his future on Thursday night.

Sydney Swans premiership player Tadhg Kennelly returned to Ireland for the 2009 AFL season to fulfil his dream of winning an All-Ireland medal with Count Kerry.

He rejoined the Swans this year.