Considering the average AFL footballer plays just 60 games, Mitch had a great run.
Forever loved.
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Considering the average AFL footballer plays just 60 games, Mitch had a great run.
Forever loved.
An honourary bullgod. Very few players leave the club with so many best wishes.
If it's what he wants them I really hope that Wally finds himself on an AFL list next year. I think he still has some petrol left in the tank
Fine player and champion person. I really hope there is a future role for him at the Club because people of his stamp have a lot to offer others.
Congrats on the career that you've had with us and the professionalism & passion that you've shown.
Understand he'll try his luck at another AFL club, but I would love for him to be captain of Footscray in 2023.
WALLIS LEFT “A LITTLE BIT BITTER” BY NATURE OF DELISTING, WILL GO ANYWHERE TO CONTINUE AFL DREAM
Delisted Bulldog Mitch Wallis is keen to continue his AFL career after being left a “little bit bitter” by the club’s decision to move him on.
The Western Bulldogs announced Wallis would not be offered a new contract on Monday morning, farewelling the 29-year-old after 12 seasons and 162 games.
Wallis was the club’s vice-captain in 2021 and was one of the Dogs’ best players through a period that saw the club claim the 2016 premiership, despite the midfielder missing with a broken leg.
But after spending most of the past two seasons out of the best 22, Wallis was disappointed his time at Whitten Oval ended as it has.
“You could call it a surprise. There wasn’t a contract per se on the table but more of a wait-and-see type approach,” he told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“I’m an optimistic person so I thought it would happen. The club’s had a fair bit of movement this off-season. I was hoping to stay on because I’ve still got a fair bit of fire in the belly, the last few seasons haven’t really played in my favour with injuries and the like.
“It didn’t fall my way but in saying that, I’m obviously very grateful for the time. 12 years is a long time at one club and the game so I can’t be more grateful for the opportunities I was given there.
“But it ends abruptly… you sever ties quite quickly and probably the only regret is I didn’t get to do it in front of my teammates and some of the staff members who have been so important to my journey and invested a lot of time, energy and emotions into me.
“To sort of be on holidays and have to make the call is something that leaves me a little bit bitter but at the end of the day it’s a ruthless industry and I look forward.”
Wallis admitted that one of the great mysteries of his career is why he spent the prime of his footy years out of Luke Beveridge’s 22.
After being elevated to Marcus Bontempelli’s deputy, Wallis played six games in 2021 before five in 2022.
It came after he reinvented himself as a forward in 2020, but has consistently found himself out of the midfield and forward mix.
When asked why he’s been left out of the team in recent years, Wallis replied: “good question.
“It’s one of those things I’ll never fully understand and I’ll grapple with it… as long as I think about footy.
“Obviously would have loved a little bit more opportunity to play and show my worth, but that’s just the way the match committee and Luke went.
“He’s the senior coach, he’s in control and he makes decisions at the end of the day that you have to live with.
“I was never going to fight it, but I just wanted to do everything and train as hard as I could to prove I was worthy of a game.
“I only played a handful of games this year but I felt like I turned it around a little bit before I got injured, unfortunately, but that’s footy.”
Nevertheless, Wallis is keen to continue his AFL career.
He’s completely recovered from foot surgery in June this year and added he was prepared to move anywhere to keep the dream alive.
“It’s still pretty raw, I haven’t totally moved on from the Bulldogs yet... we’ll explore (the interest) over the coming weeks and see what’s out there,” the ex-Bulldog offered.
“I’m keen to keep playing but at the end of the day, we’ll let the dust settle and acknowledge a club that’s been so kind to me and take the next step in due course.
“I love footy… I’m open to all offers and all ideas, but it’s only been a few hours and a few days that I’ve come to terms with not playing in the red, white and blue.”
The Bulldogs also delisted Louis Butler and Charlie Parker later on Monday morning.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/10/...o-anywhere-to/
I wonder if Wallis really is in the dark or if it's just not good to say out loud when you're looking for job somewhere else?
I don’t like to think he was left in the dark, if true. In the “face-to-face” interview with Jonno, he expressed confidence that talks had been positive, and that he would get another year.
What might have been but for that horrific broken leg. It’s another reason to feel great disappointment that the young 2016 group fragmented and that heart and soul players such as Wal didn’t ever get that opportunity.
Thanks Mitch. Absolute clubman and champion bloke.
I get the sentiment trag but I honestly believe we've given him longer than most would get because of the person he is.
I recall a game in Cairns and I was in a section with Steve.
It was free drinks, and he came to an intersection with me and I stopped and bowed and said "bulldog royalty first"....
He scoffed at me as you'd expect in a humble way and we had a good laugh.
I spoke to him a few times during the night and it made me realise how lucky we are to have the Wallis family associated with our club.
It was the night Jake kicked a massive goal and celebrated towards our section (I'll try and find it).
Go to 3 mins 10 seconds.
https://youtu.be/VEB0tSkwBns?t=190
I think what I'm trying to say is we've looked after Mitch for sure.