PHIL Mitchell’s AFL career only began a few months ago, although he picked the ball up running and will take the field in Saturday’s Tamworth AFL decider against the Tamworth Roos at Bellevue Oval.
Mitchell joined the New England Nomads this season after realising his 6’4 frame was better suited to the southern code, he left North Armidale United behind and walked into the Nomads already impressive backline.
“I was a defender for the Redmen so it wasn’t that difficult to pick up,” Williams said.
“It (AFL) has really been the only sport I watch and I was looking to do something different.”
“It’s been a really enjoyable season.”
Mitchell was a stand-out in that first game, and has been a thorn in the side of attacking teams ever since.
He is flanked by veteran premiership winners Tom Hunt and Tom Granleese, so doesn’t need to go far for tips.
“I have learnt so much from just watching and playing near those guys,” Williams said.
“The coaches have been really good as well.”
The Nomads are anticipating that the Roos will bounce out of the gates hard and fast to try and catch the Nomads early and get a roll on.
Traditionally the Roos play a very physical and direct game, while the premiers rely more on their outside men using space.
“They will try and knock us off our game early and play fast down the middle like they always do,” Williams said.
“We have been working on slowing the ball down and using the width of the field.”
“If we can get it to our outside men we will run them over.”
Midfielders Tim Keys, Jedd Ellis-Cluff and Paddy Tobias are the keys to victory according to the defender.
“When they have a good game life is easier for everyone else,” Williams said.
“It certainly takes the pressure of us defenders.”
The mid-fielders have been in top form lately, tearing the Roos apart to win the major semifinal by 48 points.
Up front Nomads captain coach Zac Economou picked up the golden boot for his season tally of 82 goals, not including finals goals.
Fellow forward Dave Richards finished in third place with 65 maximums, although loves a big occasion, kicking eight goals in each of the last two grand final wins.
“We have had some really intense training session this week but everyone has been really calm about the game,” Williams said.
“It is pretty positive and I am just really looking forward to it.”
“I am struggling to contain the nervous energy.”
Kick-off will be at 2pm.
The Nomads will be trying for their fourth straight premiership this season, although suffered an injury crisis and player shortage early in the year that almost threatened to de-rail their season.
As it was the UNE based side only dropped one game, the very first round to the Tamworth Kangaroos, who they line up against at Bellevue Oval on Saturday.
Source: Northern Daily Leader Thursday 17th September 2015