Calder Cannons defender Mitch Podhajski keeps raising bar in effort to earn spot on AFL list

MITCH Podhajski has not been willing to settle for second best as he chases his AFL dream.

Mitchell Podhajski celebrates a goal for Calder Cannons during the TAC Cup season. Picture: Mark Dadswell.

MITCH Podhajski was never willing to settle.

When the Calder Cannons defender was named in the Vic Metro squad for the Under-18 National Championships, it only increased his desire to pull on the Big V.

When he achieved that target, he set his sights on an invite to this month’s AFL National Draft Combine.

Then the 18-year-old defender’s primary goal became one he first held as a junior with Greenvale — to realise his dream of being an AFL player.

“I set my standards where I wanted to get to,” Podhajski said.

“I set them high at the time and as I accomplished my goals I wasn’t happy with just settling for that.

“I always made sure I was pushing myself and if I did achieve one of those goals I would always push the bar higher and try and strive for that and that has worked in my favour.”

Podhajski, who stands 190cm, featured primarily as a key defender in 15 TAC Cup matches this year.

He has modelled his game on Hawthorn’s AFL Rising Star runner-up Ryan Burton, believing he could successfully transition into a role as a third tall backman at the elite level.

However, he is also capable of pushing into attack, as he did with devastating effect against Gippsland Power in Round 7.

Podhajski had 23 disposals, reeled in 10 marks and booted six goals against the Power, highlighting his versatility.

“I have been modelling my game off Ryan Burton from Hawthorn in that third tall or second tall, just the general defender off the halfback line that uses their skills,” he said.

“That’s the position I would find most comfortable immediately but I am sure with training if I get picked up I would be comfortable if I did some midfield stuff.

“I think I could develop into a midfielder or a forward in the next couple of years if I get the chance.”

Mitch Podhajski wraps up Western Jets Luke Hitch in a tackle. Picture: Ian Currie.

Podhajski, who has been studying podiatry at La Trobe University, said the thought of next month becoming an AFL player was “pretty surreal”.

“I was one of those kids that growing up that is all I have ever wanted to do, play AFL footy,” he said.

“I wasn’t sure why. I just always saw it that if you can have a lifestyle doing something you love every day (you should) pursue that and train as hard as you can for it.

“That’s the same today and that is 10-12 years later.

“I still have that same passion for it and that same burning desire to play the sport every day and get better at it.”

The major knock on Podhajski’s game last season was his kicking efficiency, however he has improved dramatically by foot this year.

Hard work, rather than fortune, has the Cannons vice-captain on the cusp of an AFL career.

“If I had the opportunity in a game, especially being in the backline where any turnover is likely costly, that was a big focus for me to get the kicking right,” he said.

The AFL National Draft will be held on Friday, November 24.