Collingwood forward Mitch Podhajski is set to make his AFL debut in Monday’s Big Freeze clash against Melbourne at the MCG.
The 27-year-old was selected by the Pies with pick 17 in the 2026 Telstra Mid-Season Rookie Draft just last Wednesday after the knee injury to veteran Jamie Elliott in Round 11 opened a list spot.
After finishing second in the ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal for the VFL’s leading goalkicker last year with 54 goals, the 191cm forward is currently leading the state league with 30 goals in nine games.
He also displayed his ability to perform at a higher level when he booted four majors for the VFL in their state game clash with the SANFL during Gather Round.
Speaking after taking Podhajski in the draft, National Recruiting Manager Shane O’Bree expected the forward to make an immediate impact.
“We are hoping Mitch can come straight in, play in our forward-line and kick goals for us,” O’Bree said.
“He has been doing it at Coburg for a couple of years now in the VFL system and we think the way he plays will help fill the role of losing Jamie on the weekend.”
Making his Collingwood VFL debut in last Saturday’s clash with Footscray, Podhajski collected 10 disposals, laid seven tackles and scored 2.4.
As a mature-aged recruit, Podhajski brings strong versatility to the Magpies line-up following 104 VFL games in a range of roles for Coburg.
Prior to switching into the forward-line late in the 2023 season, Podhajski cut his teeth as an intercepting defender and occasionally as a big-bodied inside midfielder.
Since his move forward, Podhajski has booted 111 goals in 38 VFL matches – an average of 2.9 per game.
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