Tracy Village Rebels pitcher Mitch Garton impressing as a ruckman for Wanderers Eagles in the NTFL

WANDERERS may not be on a winning run but their host of developing youngsters, including ruckman Mitch Garton, will give them plenty to smile about in seasons to come.The 22-year-old comes from a basketball and baseball background, and was named the 2017 Darwin Baseball League MVP while playing as a pitcher for the Tracy Village Rebels.

Mitch Garton is a star pitcher for Tracy Village Rebels and a fast-developing ruckman at Wanderers. Picture: Keri Megelus

WANDERERS may not be on a winning run but their host of developing youngsters, including ruckman Mitch Garton, will give them plenty to smile about in seasons to come.

Garton was one of the Muk Muks’ standouts in their losing effort against Waratah on Sunday, linking up well with fellow midfielders Beau O’Connell and Aaron Motlop to provide good ball in the early phases.

The 22-year-old comes from a basketball and baseball background, and was named the 2017 Darwin Baseball League MVP while playing as a pitcher for the Tracy Village Rebels.

“It feels good playing at this level. I’ve worked hard for this and put in the effort at training to be selected for the Premier League side,” Garton told the NT News.

“The speed of the game is the toughest aspect, it’s a big jump from Division 1 to Premier League and they play at an elite level up here.”

Garton was originally the back-up ruckman at Wanderers, but his consistency has allowed him to become one of the squad’s main men in that position.

“I’m loving being at the ruck,” Garton said.

“The challenge of always being in the contest for the ball.

“It’s a rewarding position to play at when you’re doing well.

“Playing footy will help my game in baseball as well as my fitness levels.”

Playing alongside the likes of O’Connell, Jason Baird and Braedon McLean has greatly pushed on Garton’s development at this level.

He briefly played in both Division 2 and Division 1 before being selected for the top-grade team, with Wanderers coach Shannon Motlop particularly impressed by how quickly Garton has taken to the game.

“He never played footy before this year, but he’s keen to play and wanted to really challenge himself,” Motlop told the NT News.

“He’s shown that he wants to be at the top level so I gave him a run in the Premier League and he continues to improve every week.

“He’s still developing into the game but this is a development season for a lot of our players.”