Every club dreams of drafting  a player that bursts onto the  scene in a similar fashion to that of Dustin Martin or Joel Selwood in their debut seasons. Realistically we know this isn’t the typical transition for a player, and like we saw with guys like Jack Redden, and Liam Shiels last year, its often not until their 2nd or 3rd year before a player really stamps their mark on the league.

One player I’ve got my eyes on for a similar breakout in 2012 is 2nd year Bulldog Mitch Wallis.

The Player:

Recruited via the Father/Son rule , Wallis was a star junior and the captain of  both Vic Metro and the Calder Cannons in 2010. Renowned for racking up the touches, Wallis has a unique ability to win the ball in close, and then run hard across the ground to find the ball in space, shown by an average of  31.3 disposals for Calder in 2010. His game is tailor made for fantasy footy, which was highlighted in TAC Cup Grand Final where he was awarded the best on ground after a huge 47 possession performance that tallied 171 Dream team points.

In 2011, Wallis was in early contention to  debut in round 1, but lost the battle to fellow Father/Son recruit Tom Liberatore who was more AFL ready and able to make an immediate impact. He didn’t have to wait long however, and after impressing at VFL level, Wallis earned  a senior debut in round 5.

Last week I spoke about the negative effects of the sub rule, and like so many other young players, Wallis fell victim, starting his career in the green vest as the substitute player.  He entered the game during the last quarter tallying only 3 possessions and 10 Dream team points.  Obviously a big hit to his scoring average.

A dominant ball winner at junior level, Wallis understandably lacked the body size to match it with the bigger, more seasoned AFL bodies in his debut year,  but  was  able to  crack 6 games  averaging  55 Dream team points.  He was used mainly in a tagging or forward line role, but spent his VFL season groomed for a  midfield role, and his form suggested he’s not far off, averaging 22 possessions, 5 clearances and 5 tackles per game over fifteen games.

Callan Ward leaving for GWS has left a bit hole in the middle and Wallis looms the most likely player on the Bulldog list to get first crack. From all reports he’s flying on the training track and new coach Brendan McCartney is a huge fan of his approach.  Something worth noting is the significant amount of  contested possessions Wallis won as a junior with over 35.6% touches being  contested.

For a comparison, a player like Sam Mitchell known for his clearance work wins roughly 30% of his possessions in the contest. With another full pre season under his belt,  Wallis will benefit hugely from added body size and strength , and we should see a lot more of his ball winning potential in 2012.

Taking a quick look at his career statistics, it’s impossible to ignore his scoring potential:

 

Calder Cannons (2010): 31.3 disposals, 5.1 Marks, 6.8 Tackles  @125 DT average

Vic Metro (2010):  27.7 Disposals, 5.7 marks, 6 Tackles @111 DT average

Williamstown (2011): 22.3 Disposals, 3 marks, 4.5 Tackles @ 81 DT average

 

You really don’t want to miss the next Jack Redden, and priced at $244,000  Wallis has the potential to be just that.  Wallis has gone under the radar somewhat but as the numbers show he’s  a potential scoring stud. I’d keep a very close eye on how Wallis is used during the NAB cup.  A player with his scoring potential is a bargain waiting to happen, so do your homework and don’t miss out!