AFL 2018: Mitch Podhajski puts AFL clubs on notice with seamless move into midfield for Calder Cannons

ONE of the architects of draft hopeful Mitch Podhajski’s midfield switch has hailed his impact this season as “like he’s a man among boys”.

TAC Cup footy: Calder Cannons v Western Jets. Jets player Luke Hitch is tackled by Jonah Hero and Mitchell Podhajski. Picture : Ian Currie

ONE of the architects of draft hopeful Mitch Podhajski’s midfield switch has hailed his impact this season as “like he’s a man among boys”.

Calder Cannons assistant coach Brett Gourley said Podhajski, one of the TAC Cup club’s co-captains, had proven his versatility to AFL clubs by transitioning seamlessly into an on-ball role.

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The 19-year-old has increased his output from 15 disposals per game last year to 25 in 2018, averaging six marks and eight tackles since joining the Cannons’ midfield brigade.

His efforts have earned him an invite to this year’s AFL draft state combine, one of four Calder players who will attend the screening to showcase their talents.

“With the numbers he is putting up, it shows he is not a one-trick pony anymore,” Gourley said.

“He’s consistently performing in the midfield. He’s shown he can play in all areas of the ground.”

Podhajski has also posted an average of 20 possessions, four marks and five tackles in seven games with VFL club Coburg.

Mitch Podhajski (right) has found his place as a midfielder this year. Picture: Ian Currie.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he is up there in Coburg’s best and fairest as well,” Gourley said. “He’s doing a brilliant job with them and when he comes back with us he looks like he’s a man among boys.”

The Greenvale resident was invited to the draft combine last year but was overlooked in the national and rookie drafts.

Within 15 minutes of the rookie draft wrapping up, he was on the way to the gym to continue his pursuit of an AFL opportunity.

“I knew, even before, if it didn’t work out I wasn’t going to drop the bundle at all and go back and play local footy,” Podhajski said.

“I would still try and get the most out of myself.”

A Greenvale and Aberfeldie junior, Podhajski conceded he had taken time to adjust to playing as an on-baller.

AFL draft prospect Mitch Podhajski playing with VFL club Coburg. Picture: Jordan Zmood.

Focused on winning the ball in his first match, he had 24 disposals but failed to lay a tackle.

The next week, he overcompensated and laid nine tackles but only had 13 possessions.

“I was in the midfield, but I just forgot to tackle,” Podhajski said.

“The second game I was cautious about tackling, I got a lot of tackles and I forgot to get the ball.

“I didn’t know who I wanted to model my game off or anything like that, but I think my contested ball, my tackling and my handballing in close (are) a couple of areas as a midfielder I excel in.”

Podhajski highlighted his talents with 30 possessions, 10 marks and 12 tackles against Greater Western Victoria Rebels in Round 8 and had a day out with 36 possessions and four goals against Murray Bushrangers on Sunday.

He has also impressed against AFL-listed opposition in the VFL with Coburg.

Podhajski had 24 disposals and registered seven tackles against a Footscray team which featured Josh Dunkley, Lin Jong, Fletcher Roberts and Jordan Roughead and backed up that effort with 26 possessions against Melbourne’s VFL affiliate, Casey Demons.

Mitch Podhajski kicks for goal while playing for Coburg. Picture: Jordan Zmood

“I didn’t give myself too much credit as a midfielder until I had some VFL games and proved I can do it against men,” Podhajski said.

“That was my main goal … test myself against the best in the VFL.”

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In a twist of fate, being ignored last season could allow Podhajski to be drafted alongside his best mate Jack Bytel.

The pair have shared captaincy duties for Calder this season and Bytel is considered one of the top midfield prospects in the draft pool.

“Him and I go head to head whenever we can and I really respect him as a footballer and a person as well,” Podhajski said. “I always have my ears open if he has got anything to learn from.”

At 191cm, Podhajski is realistic he won’t be drafted as a key defender, but hopes AFL clubs will view him in the mould of on-ballers such as Carlton’s Patrick Cripps (195cm) and St Kilda’s Jack Steele (187cm).

“Hopefully with my size, being that tall inside midfielder … there’s more opportunity to get drafted,” he said.