EFNL 2021: Young gun Mitch Mellis returns to Boronia

Star midfielder Mitch Mellis has landed back at Boronia where it all began, and coach Matt Clark says he’s exactly what the Hawks need.

Mitch Mellis in action for the Eastern Ranges. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Boronia’s midfield has received a significant lift for 2021 with the signing of an ex-VFL young gun, and senior coach Matt Clark says he’s exactly what the Hawks need.

Mitch Mellis has returned to Boronia where he played most of his junior football, following a two-year stint with Williamstown in the VFL.

The 20-year-old had been aligned with Premier club Vermont for the past two years, playing four matches in the state league in 2021 to go with five for the Eagles.

He enjoyed a decorated junior career which took in three league best and fairest awards and three at the Hawks, before playing 33 matches for the Eastern Ranges from 2017-2019 – winning the best and fairest in ’18.

The midfielder was selected in the 2019 NAB League Team of the Year, finishing third for the comp best and fairest that season where he also represented Vic Metro.

Mellis’ strong family connections and friendships helped bring him back to Boronia. Picture: Dave Nicholas Photography

Clark said Mellis’ strong family connection and close friendships at the club helped secure his signature after the Hawks “pursued him hard”.

Among the family connection is his dad, Cameron, a stalwart and past player of the club, and his brother, Jake, is a regular in the senior line-up having not missed a game in the past two seasons.

“We kept close to him (Mitch) the whole time (during his VFL stint) and followed him really closely, and then opportunity came up for him to come back to us,” Clark said.

“It was a mutual opportunity … he’s got some really good connections who have now finished playing 19s and are senior grade.

“I couldn’t be happier (with Mellis’ signing), to be honest.”

Boronia finished the 2021 season in fifth spot with a 7-5 record, and Clark believes Mellis’ addition will add much-needed pace.

“He’s an unbelievably talented footballer and he’ll make a massive difference to us,” Clark said.

“He is a one-pointer, he was a Boronia junior and it’s just good to get someone like him back home to not only play with friends but to make us better … it’s an area of the game that he can add so much value.

“We probably need to improve in that pace around the football, and he’s going to give us that opportunity to grow in that area.

“He’ll pair up with a couple of the kids that have been high performers for us in the ‘19s … Nathan Hare will be one of them, he won the comp medal (this year).

“I can imagine those two being 10-year senior players, crafting their own careers together. They’re best friends.”

The Hawks are set to retain their list for 2022, with the exceptions of greats Lachie McKernan and Matt Buzinskas, with the club confirming their retirements.