ROBINVALE Euston export Seamus Mitchell is firming for an AFL debut for Hawthorn after an outstanding performance for VFL affiliate Box Hill.
The 20-year-old put himself at the forefront of selectors’ minds with a standout 30-disposal game when the Hawks defeated Sydney by 27 points last week.
An injury-hit first two seasons in the AFL system hurt Mitchell’s progress as he transitioned from playing as a livewire small forward to a dashing half-back.
It resulted in the former SFNL young gun being delisted and then reselected as rookie late last year.
AFL coach Sam Mitchell has been willing to play young players at senior level and the speedster could be ripe to break through.
Box Hill senior coach and Hawthorn development coach Zane Littlejohn praised Mitchell’s performance, which also included nine marks and two tackles.
“Seamus finished with 30 touches so he had a really good start to 2023,” Littlejohn told hawthornfc.com.au.
“He gave us some really good drive. He started the game a little slow, but pleasingly for Seamus he didn’t go into his shell and he continued to build.
“His middle two quarters were really, really pleasing and he gave us some good run and drive and used the ball well.
“He again showed that he really belongs and is playing above the VFL level at the moment.
“The thing for Seamus is that he has to continue to do that now going forward, but we’re excited about what he’s showing us at the moment.”
Box Hill have the VFL bye this week before facing Geelong on Easter Monday as a curtain raiser to the AFL clash.
