GEELONG has taken South Australian product Mitch Hardie with the sixth pick in Wednesday night’s AFL Mid-Season Draft.
The 25-year-old impressed Cats recruiters with his solid season so far with Woodville West-Torrens in the SANFL, the same club Geelong All-Australian forward Tyson Stengle was picked up from.
The big-bodied midfielder is averaging 25.7 disposals and a goal per game for the Eagles and represented the SANFL state side against the WAFL state side earlier this year.
Geelong Recruiting Manager Stephen Wells said he was thrilled to call Hardie’s name out.
“We are delighted to bring Mitch into the club, he is a mature player that has played good footy in the SANFL,” he said.
“Mitch is a strong inside and outside midfielder who has clean hands in the contest and someone that will add to our midfield depth.”
Wells said Hardie outshone a number of other candidates, with the Cats keen to pick a mature player.
“We considered a lot of players, young and even older, different positions.
“Our recruiting team all around Australia has done a power of work ready for this Mid-Season Draft.
“But it was Mitch’s performances overall that got him over the line with us.
“Even though he’s a bit older, he’s still new talent into the system, he hasn’t had a go before so we were excited to give him an opportunity.”
Twitter: @krockfootball
