Mitch Duncan: 300 Games and Counting for Geelong
Wow, what a story Mitch Duncan's been weaving in Geelong! Thirty years young and racking up his 300th AFL game? Seriously impressive. I mean, it's not just about the numbers, though. This article will dive into Duncan's amazing journey, the upcoming clash with the Western Bulldogs, and the impact of recent family tragedy on the team.
From Laconic Runner to Geelong Great
Let’s be honest, Duncan wasn't always the polished player he is today. He's spoken about the tough love he received in his early years – "black and white feedback," as he puts it. Coaches like Brendan McCartney, Nigel Lappin, and Chris Scott really pushed him. They helped him transform from a talented, but sometimes careless, player into the rock-solid pro he is now. It takes grit to persevere through that kind of early pressure, right? Remember that infamous Shane Mumford shirtfront in 2016? Ouch. But even that didn't break him.
What truly stands out is his consistency. His pinpoint kicks are legendary – teammates say catching his passes feels like catching a balloon! And his composure? Unflappable. He doesn't let missed kicks rattle him. He just keeps plugging away because, as he says, he puts in the work. That's the key.
A Career Recap – From WA to Premiership Glory
Drafted in 2009, he quickly burst onto the scene. A premiership in his second season – before he even turned 21! That's insane. And then another flag in 2022, alongside some of the legends he debuted with: Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins, and Harry Taylor. Talk about longevity!
- Three grand final appearances, a goal in each!
- A remarkable 70% win rate throughout his career.
- Two club best and fairest awards, and seven top-10 finishes.
Seriously, this guy's a Geelong legend in the making, and not just for his on-field accomplishments.
Family First, Footy Second
Duncan's also super open about the importance of family life in balancing his career. With four kids now – Scarlett, Ollie, Archie and Parker – his perspective is incredible. He understands that footy takes a backseat when it comes to his family responsibilities – and he wouldn't have it any other way. He even admits his kids' feedback after a game can be brutally honest. I love that!
He's thinking about coaching next, and Lappin's already noticed his potential in that area. It's pretty cool that he's already planning his next move.
The Selwood Tragedy and Geelong's Resilience
The recent passing of Adam Selwood, and the previous passing of his brother Troy earlier this year, cast a long shadow over the Cats. Duncan's close to the whole family, and this has touched him deeply. But they faced Port Adelaide and got the win; a testament to their strength and their bond.
He highlights the importance of supporting Joel Selwood, especially, and also giving him space during this difficult time.
Geelong vs Western Bulldogs: A Match Full of Intrigue
This Thursday's game against the Western Bulldogs promises to be epic – Duncan's 300th game, a top-eight showdown, and the lingering spice from Bailey Smith's post-match comments. Oh, and let's not forget the potential absence of Smith himself for this one. There’s a lot riding on this one.
Also, Cam Guthrie is returning in the VFL after a long injury layoff. That’s something for fans to look forward to.
