Mitch Duncan's 300th Game: A Legacy Built on Humility, Grit and Heart
Mitch Duncan. Three hundred games. Just saying it out loud gives me chills — not just because of the number itself, but because of the man behind it. As we gear up for Thursday night’s blockbuster clash at GMHBA Stadium against the Bulldogs, the moment feels both surreal and deeply fitting. Mitch Duncan, the smooth-moving, ever-reliable No. 22, will become just the seventh player in Geelong’s proud history to notch up 300 games. And if you know anything about him, you know he’s not the type to make a fuss. But make no mistake — this milestone is huge.
I had to laugh when I heard Mitch joke that he’d refuse to play if Chris Scott gave him the sub’s vest for his 300th. “I’m not playing if he does that,” he said, half serious, half cheeky — classic Duncs. But it speaks to who he is: a competitor, a team man, but someone who still holds true to his own sense of fairness and occasion. He’s played anywhere and everywhere: wing, half-forward, defence, even once taking a centre bounce against Paddy Ryder. But sub for game 300? No thanks.
Also Read:- FBI Whistleblower Warns of Russian Targeting of Elon Musk
- Djokovic’s Family-Powered Comeback Ignites Geneva Open Momentum
Chris Scott’s admiration for Mitch goes beyond the usual coach-player dynamic. He described Duncan as more of a peer, someone who’s had an old head on young shoulders since his debut season in 2010. That kind of respect doesn’t come easily in footy — it’s earned through years of consistency, composure and leadership. One moment that stands out for Scott was that running goal Mitch kicked in the third quarter of the 2011 Grand Final. It’s etched in his memory. But perhaps more telling was a conversation after the 2020 Grand Final loss. Scott was shattered, but it was Duncan who picked him up, calmly saying, “We’ll be right. Just get back on the horse.” That’s Mitch. Pragmatic. Grounded. Resilient.
And what a journey it's been. Drafted from Western Australia with pick 28 in 2009, he cracked into a premiership side as a teenager, won his first flag before he turned 21, and backed it up over a decade later in 2022. He’s kicked goals in all three Grand Finals he’s played. Seventy percent win rate. Two top-three finishes in the club best and fairest, and seven top-10s. He’s not just been durable; he’s been brilliant.
But off-field is where Mitch’s true heart shines. A devoted dad of four — Scarlett, Ollie, Archie and little Parker — he says their energy is what keeps him going. When your kid tells you after a game, “Why did you kick it out on the full? I hated that,” it’s a reminder that footy’s not everything. But for Mitch, it’s clear that footy and family walk hand in hand.
This season, though he's only played a handful of games, he’s embraced his role — mentoring in the VFL, setting an example, maybe even paving the way for coaching. And he’s not done yet. He’s setting up like this is his last year, but there’s a glimmer of hope he might push on. And why not? He’s still got the drive, the smarts, and that sweet, perfectly weighted kick that teammates have relied on for 15 years.
As we prepare to honour Mitch Duncan on Thursday night, it's not just about his stats or longevity — it's about the way he’s carried himself. A footballer’s footballer. A quiet giant of the club. A friend, a leader, and a legend in the blue and white hoops. Here's to No. 300, Mitch. You’ve more than earned it.
Read More:
0 Comments