Mitch Duncan recently took one of the biggest leaps in his footballing journey, celebrating his 300th game with the Geelong Cats. The entire moment was filled with joy and sentimental passion. Duncan and his team proved victorious, with around 40 family and friends in attendance including his star teammates Tom Hawkins and Isaac Smith. He paid special tribute to his best mate Joel Selwood, who has gone through some tough times personally in the last few months.
After the match, Duncan’s children joined him and the team for the traditional song, enhancing the emotional weight of the occasion. Duncan’s exit gives us an opportunity to reflect on his career. He announced that his two premierships with Geelong were only some of the lowlights from his period with the team. Rather, he focused on the relationships that he’s been able to build during his 15 years in pro football.
Duncan also joined an elite group as only the seventh player in Geelong’s history to reach the 300-game milestone. The former leader thanked the trip for the friendships formed on the journey. “When you say the names, it’s a bit surreal,” he said, referencing fellow legends such as Hawkins, Selwood, Corey Enright, Ian Nankervis, Jimmy Bartel, and Sam Newman.
After the match, an emotional Duncan was overcome when talking about his career and persisting with this breakthrough accolade. He took note of the fact that Bailey Smith stole some of the limelight. “It’s a shame that all the focus went to my first time coaching against the Bulldogs, and not honoring Duncan’s big accomplishment.”
“I just want to shout out to Mitch Duncan in his 300th,” – Bailey Smith
Duncan’s emotional tribute to Selwood hit the hardest, as he opened up on the tough battles his mate has fought over the past months. “It’s great to see him here tonight. Miss my good mate Joely. He’s had a tough three months. I love you, mate,” he stated.
Geelong teammate Rhys Stanley said Duncan was a great leader, both on and off the field. He then stressed Duncan’s commitment to both the club and his family. “On and off the field, he’s a terrific clubman, terrific family man,” Stanley remarked after watching Duncan’s children join him in celebration.
As the match drew to a close, Duncan was given a special tribute. His two teammates, Mark Blicavs and Jeremy Cameron, as they’d been prompt to, carried him off the field with pride. The spectacular dunk was a testament not only to Duncan’s athletic prowess, but to the esteem he enjoys from his fellow players.
Duncan wrapped up, expressing appreciation for the experiences and connections he’s made over his career. “I’ve been lucky to play for 15 years, play with 150-odd people, probably more, and the connection you have with them — yeah, the premierships top it off because that is what you play for but to do it with a group of people is what I love the most,” he explained.
