Down may have an unlikely but familiar face to call upon as they prepare for the Championship with reports that 2010 All-Star winner Martin Clarke is set to return to the panel after 13 years away.
Clarke returned to Ireland in late 2014 after a second spell in Australia playing AFL, though any prospect of his return to inter-county action with Down appeared slim due to issues with illness.
Addison's disease has seen Clarke sidelined for much of the past decade, and last year's brief cameo for An Ríocht in the Down intermediate championship was the first time he had played for the club in six years.
A highly respected coach in the county, it now appears as though Clarke may make a stunning return to the playing squad - but he will no longer be lining out as a centre forward.
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Down GAA: Martin Clarke set for sensational return to panel
Tuesday's reports from the Irish News suggest that Martin "Marty" Clarke may return to the Down football panel after 13 years away from intercounty GAA, only this time he will slot in as a goalkeeper.
19 September 2010; Martin Clarke, Down, in action against Noel O'Leary, Cork. GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final, Down v Cork, Croke Park, Dublin. Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
Clarke was a crucial part of Down's run to the 2010 All-Ireland final, scoring 0-03 from corner-forward in their one-point loss to Cork in the decider.
Down have however been left without their first three options between the sticks for the 2024 season, and so reports suggest that Clarke is being sounded out for trialling out a new role with the squad.
With an increased focus on goalkeepers becoming part of buildup play in Gaelic football, Down are keen to utilise the "sweeper keeper" tactic becoming ever more popular in the sport. Clarke's passing vision and outfield intelligence are seen as an intriguing proposition to solve their shortcomings in this position.
The Irish News further report that Clarke's potential return to the panel has been accelerated after both parties had initially agreed to allow Clarke a year of regular club action before his return to the inter-county fold. The 36-year-old is working closely alongside John Devine, an All-Ireland winner with Tyrone and Down's current goalkeeping coach, in preparation for his new role.
Clarke last played for Down in the 2011 championship, when they were once again eliminated by Cork, this time during the qualifiers. Clarke was sent off during that game and returned to Australia for a second stint playing Aussie Rules football shortly after that.
His first stint Down Under saw him spend three years with Collingwood, before returning to Down for the memorable 2010 season. He once again lined out for Collingwood for a second three-year spell between 2012 and 2014.
A member of the Down coaching setup for some years now, it would be a remarkable GAA story to see Clarke lining out in a county jersey once again this summer.
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