Former AFL gun Mitch Wallis thriving in St Kevin’s colours

Former AFL fan favourite Mitch Wallis has made a smooth transition into local footy, joining VAFA powerhouse St Kevin’s. Here’s why he is “really enjoying” the new experience.

Former AFL footballer Mitch Wallis says it has been “really special” to join VAFA reigning premier St Kevin’s a year after leaving the professional game.

Wallis, 30, was vice-captain of the Western Bulldogs in 2021 where he played 160 games and was their leading goalkicker in 2020 before being delisted at the end of the last season.

While the midfielder-forward was “disappointed” his time at the Bulldogs couldn’t extend beyond 12 years, he has quickly moved on and been enjoying his time in the VAFA.

The new chapter in Wallis’ life has afforded him the opportunity to play alongside old school friends, brother Josh and brother in-law Nicholas at SKOB.

“It’s something that’s really special and I have grabbed with both hands and am really enjoying,” Wallis said.

Mitch Wallis alongside St Kevin's teammates. Picture: Supplied.

“It has been quite nostalgic actually (joining St Kevin’s).

“I had so many fond memories growing up playing school footy for St Kevin’s and it was such an important part of my life.

“It sort of built the foundation of the way I attacked my footy and attacked my life really from the school days.”

Wallis captained the St Kevin’s First XVIII football team in 2010 before he was drafted as a father-son selection to the Bulldogs at pick 22.

His father Stephen played 261 games for Footscray in the 1980s and ’90s.

Wallis’ entrance to SKOB in 2023 has seen him reunite with his younger brother Josh, 26, who he last shared the football field with in 2019 in the Footscray VFL side on return from injury.

Wallis was grateful his family was able to watch their sons play in the one team.

Mitch Wallis knows how hard it is to win premierships. Picture: Supplied.

A fourth premiership in five seasons for SKOB was something Wallis was striving for but he was aware of how difficult they can be to win particularly after missing out on the famous 62-year drought breaking premiership with the Bulldogs in 2016 due to injury.

“I know being a part of a professional sporting club for a long time, what it takes to win a premiership,” he said.

“You say you want to be a part of it but I know how much hard work and time it takes to get an opportunity to play in finals and then ultimately win a premiership.

“I am willing and I’m so excited that I am a part of a successful group but I know that the work only starts now.

“It’s hard to win them but it’s even harder to defend them because teams are coming at you every week because you are touted as probably the competition’s best.

“It’s on the cards definitely, you want to be a part of success but I also want to be a part of a journey, that is going to be challenging at different times, to really enjoy the experiences as much as chasing the ultimate dream.”

St Kevins coach Anthony Lynch. Picture: Valeriu Campan

St Kevin’s coach Anthony Lynch said Wallis had an “outstanding” game against Caulfield Grammarians in Round 2 where he kicked three goals and was in the best players.

The former SKOB premiership player was also appreciative of his contribution to the club.

“It’s been amazing mate,” Lynch said, following his side’s round 2 win.

“He has been such a gift to the whole club. He has probably had as much influence off-field as he has had on.

“He is so invested in our playing group and in the community.

“To have him mentoring our younger players on-field and off-field, it is honestly like having an extra coach.

“To have his younger brother Josh as well as his family involved, his wife, his parents, the Wallis family is all in at SKOB which has just made for an amazing addition to the club.”

Lynch said he admired the training standards Wallis had brought to the club along with his team-first attitude and humble nature.

Mitch Wallis playing for the Western Bulldogs. Photo by Michael Klein

Wallis described the VAFA as “good hard contested footy” following his first two games in the competition.

“It is different, I think we will start there,” he said.

“All the boys have a real crack at the VAFA level.

“It’s just mainly trying to learn the pace because I’m playing in the forward line mainly, you rely on how the ball is moving and how the game is playing out rather affecting it at the source in the middle of the ground.

“I have really enjoyed it albeit different and quite challenging at times just because of the different speeds, the size of the grounds and even the balls, everything is so different.

“I am tackling it with an exciting outlook and hoping to just contribute to the team, have a little bit of fun along the way and have some success.”

Joshua Wallis is action against Old Melburnians on Saturday. Picture: Andy Brownbill

In Saturday’s round 3 encounter, a five-goal to two third quarter powered SKOB to a 40-point win over Old Melburnians at Elsternwick Park.

Wallis brothers, Mitch and Josh were influential for SKOB in their 18.10 (118) to 12.6 (78) win, with three and two goals respectively as well as being named in the best players.

The victory has SKOB undefeated and 3-0 to start the season while OM’s remain winless.

Wallis has scored seven goals from three games to start the season and is equal-second in the competition’s goal kicking leaderboard.