Norwood’s Mitch Grigg does not rate the mid-season draft to be introduced by the AFL next year
NORWOOD star Mitch Grigg has been touted as a strong prospect to be taken in the national draft for a second crack at an AFL career. But the 25-year-old admits an avenue back to the big league through a mid-season draft doesn’t appeal.
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DUAL Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg has all but dismissed a mid-season draft as his passage back to the AFL system.
Grigg, 25, confessed he was no fan of the controversial draft, to be introduced next year after gaining approval from the AFL Commission.
Touted as a strong candidate to be picked up in the national draft next month after another brilliant season with Norwood, Grigg claimed it would be difficult to uproot his life mid-season.
“I don’t rate the mid-season draft that highly at all,” Grigg said. “Maybe it could suit a young kid, an 18-year old who thinks it might be worth a crack.
“For me to pack up shop halfway through the season would be hard. I’ve got a secure job and a secure network at the club and to pick up and move is a big deal.”
Grigg believes it would also be difficult to leave the Redlegs after committing for the season.
The Redlegs midfielder’s hopes of a return to the national stage rose significantly after claiming his second successive Magarey Medal on the back of a dominant season.
His currency was further boosted with a stunning grand final performance when he earned the Jack Oatey Medal with his trademark toughness around the contest and the spark to many attacking raids in the defeat to North Adelaide.
“I’ve had a couple of inquiries, nothing serious,” Grigg said.
“I’ve changed management and have joined Liam Pickering and I’ve been told there will be more news after the trade period.
“I’m hoping someone will take an interest in me because I’m a ready-made player and can have an impact straight away. The majority of the kids drafted are two to three year plans.”
Grigg was taken at No. 41 in the 2011 draft made 20 appearances for Adelaide before being delisted at the end of 2016.