With a number of country Leagues already up and running and a number of others kicking off this week, a raft of ex AFL players have put in clearances to play in the Country.

There is no name bigger then former Brisbane Lion and Geelong Cat Mitch Clark (pictured) who has lined up at Mundijong alongside three time premiership player with Brisbane Ash McGrath. If Clark can recapture anything close to his AFL form he will strike fear into most backlines in the PFL. Clark eased himself into it kicking three majors in his sides win over South Mandurah.

Former Calton half back Josh Bootsma will no doubt be closely followed by State Country selectors when he plays for Katanning in the Upper Great Southern.  The 24 year old should still have some solid years of football infront of him and could wreak havoc coming out of defence. Another Calton backmen Clem Smith is a surprise pick up for Boyup Brook who look to have recruited strongly for the 2017 season. Smith was a supurb underage talent and is suprisingly couragous despite his smaller frame.

Reliable ex Docker Greg Broughton joins his brother Chad at Toodyay in the Mortlock league and kicked some crucial goals in there season opening win against Dalwallinu on the weekend.

Lake Grace will be the early favourites in the Ongerup with both Jarrad and Mitch Morton at the Club this year joining the reliable Luke Bairstow in the Bombers midfield.

The Avon could be the suprise packet at this years Landmark Carnival if they can field their strongest side with Beverley leading a strong recruitment drive securing quality East Perth big man Josh Smith (pictured) and former Hawthorn listed player Garry Moss.  Smith hasn't played for a number of years so it will be interesting to see how he returns when he takes on Railways this weekend. Railways have recruited former Eagles Premiership player and Subiaco Colts Coach Steven Armstong, Ali Smith returns to the Federals following a year out of football. The Avon should be an extremely close League with all teams looking to field strong sides.

In another surprise, Beau McDonald will be coaching the Dampier Sharks in the North Pilbara and has thrown in a clearance indicating he may have recovered from major knee injuries which have kept him off the park in recent years.

There continues to be some quality WAFL players transitioning to Country football this year with names like Chris Deluca (Boulder), Mitchell Boyle (Geraldton Railways), James Bristow (Gin Gin), Graham Jetta (Bridgetown), Rohan Kerr (Pinjarra), Simon Moore and Rhys Waters (Jurien Bay), David Johnson (Wagin), Joel Leeson (Dalwallinu) all sure to impress in the coming weeks.