DEFENDER Mitch Clisby will be eligible to play in the AFL for the rest of the season, after Melbourne named him as its mid-season nominated rookie on Thursday afternoon.

Clisby has impressed across half-back for Casey this year.

The 23-year-old claimed the final spot on Melbourne’s list for 2013, when he was the club’s second pick (No.19 overall) in last December’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

Originally from Broken Hill, where he grew up with close friend, Adelaide sharpshooter Taylor Walker, Clisby shifted to South Australia and played four seasons with North Adelaide in the SANFL.

He flourished last season under the tutelage of former Port Adelaide star Josh Francou, before joining Melbourne.