A ‘really dynamic’ player and a ‘special person’, Mitch Hardie is a dream on and off the field for his SANFL coach. And that is all thanks to a frank meeting between the two.
Recruited to SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens as a half-forward, Hardie got a taste of midfield action late in 2022 and showed serious talent.
But the message from Eagles coach Jade Sheedy was clear – if he wanted to play on ball, he had to do the work over summer.
Mitch Hardie got to work over summer. Image/Russell Millard Photography
When Sheedy would drive into the club over the summer months he would invariably run into Hardie in the gym or pounding through heated running sessions, work that helped him on his way to being selected by Geelong in Wednesday’s mid-season draft.
“We sat down last year and talked about the work he would have to do to get there and I feel like 99 per cent of the people you tell to do that work never achieve it,” Sheedy said.
“He is one of the special ones. He is a special person on the field and off the field.
“We could see some really good signs from him as a midfielder (last year) and the clear message was if he wanted to get first crack in there as a midfielder (in 2023), he needed to be fitter.”
Mitch Hardie (left) closes down an opponent when representing the SANFL. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz
Hardie was hardly out of shape, but the 25-year-old slashed 29 seconds off his 2km time trial best over a huge pre-season and carried that determination into the season proper.
The bull exploded in the midfield for the Eagles this season, dominating as an inside midfielder with 25.7 disposals, 5.6 clearances and 3.3 inside-50s.
Sheedy’s description of Hardie’s skills reads like a recruiting wishlist for a modern midfielder.
“He is such a powerful kid, he has beautiful skills and he is really dynamic as a midfielder,” Sheedy said.
“He can run two ways and is a pretty good catch over his head.
“Mitch can have 20-25 touches in a game of footy and kick a goal and have a huge baring on the game because his is an impact-type player.
“If Geelong want him to do something, the kid will do it. He is an A+ kid off the field.”
Hardie goes after the ball last year. Picture: Keryn Stevens
Geelong’s suddenly barren midfield rotation after dealing with an array of injuries in recent months could open the door to an early debut and Sheedy, who also sent Tyson Stengle and 2022 mid-season draftee Zane Williams from the Eagles to the Cats, said Hardie would come in ready to go.
“I do know that Mitch has all the qualities to be a really good player at the next level … I would love to see him get an opportunity this week,” Sheedy said.
“I am biased but I think he could jump in and have an impact.”