Forward Mitch Georgiades adds to stellar Port Adelaide youth talent after impressive debut against Gold Coast
Port Adelaide keeps unleashing prodigies and coach Ken Hinkley knows it was worth the wait for his latest debutant, Mitch Georgiades.
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Mitch Georgiades refused to let the COVID-19 crisis spoil his big night in a surreal AFL premiere for Port Adelaide on the Gold Coast with his parents as privileged onlookers.
Georgiades looked part of the furniture in a two goal debut that swelled Port’s ready to go youth corps including Connor Rozee, Xavier Duursma, Zak Butters, Sam Powell-Pepper and Ryan Burton.
“The parents got the call Friday they could come over, were allowed in the box, a bit separate from everyone, the only ones in the stadium,” Subiaco export Georgiades told Sunday Mail.
“It is different circumstances”.
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Georgiades’ fearless leaping at contests were the hallmark of his under-age career with Western Australia and Subiaco while he slotted immaculate set shots in Port’s 47-point season opening win.
“It was amazing. Lucky a couple of balls came my way. It was exciting and all the hard work paid off from the pre-season,” said Georgiades, whose father John booted eight goals on debut against Carlton in 1989.
A thigh haematoma required three operations last year meaning Georgiades hadn’t played since his penultimate year at Perth’s prestigious Hale School.
“My last proper game of footy was year 11 at school so it is a big step up in tempo,” said 2019 draft bolter Georgiades who achieved a 98 ATR score after focusing on study.
‘I do like to jump at the ball, try to use my leap a bit. It is one of my weapons I like to bring out of the bag I guess.”
Georgiades – likened to a third tall option in the mould of Hawthorn premiership forward Jack Gunston – already looks smart business as Port assembles a formidable premiership structure.
“His first game for 18 months and first for points is an AFL game. It is an incredible story,” said Hinkley of Georgiades, Port’s pick 18 in 2019’s AFL draft.
Todd Marshall and Georgiades shared four goals against the Suns while Charlie Dixon’s eventual return in a forward line that boasts Powell-Pepper, masterful Robbie Gray, Brad Ebert and Steven Motlop arms Ken Hinkley with enviable firepower.
“We rely on the older boys to provide that structure, level head to steer us through and we used that a lot,” said 191cm Georgiades.
“Toddy has been really good in the pre-season and it feels like he is about to burst out which is very exciting.”
Georgiades’ long stint between games will continue with Port’s Showdown and the AFL season shelved by a government border lockdown.
“I have heard so much about it and even more so than the rivalry in Perth. I can’t wait to continue the tradition of a Showdown,” said Georgiades.