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Thanks Mitch Wallis
Thanks for being a great footballer, a beacon of positivity and the ultimate role model
Our club is better for having had you as part of it
Hope every one of your next steps is successful
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
Bulldogs farewell Wallis
The Western Bulldogs have today farewelled heart and soul veteran Mitch Wallis after 12 seasons in the red, white and blue.
The popular Bulldog arrived at VU Whitten Oval in 2011, drafted with pick 22 as a father-son selection in the 2010 National Draft.
Making his debut early in 2011, Wallis became a staple of the Bulldogs’ midfield, consistently giving his all and playing selfless team football throughout his journey at the Kennel.
A professional on and off the field, Wallis found his career-best form in 2015, averaging 24 touches per game and kicking 15 goals, before settling into the forward line in the latter part of his career.
The move forward saw him prosper in 2020, kicking 25 goals to be the club’s leading goalkicker, before being name vice-captain of the side in 2021.
Wallis’ leadership qualities have been on show since the moment the 29-year-old walked through the door, guiding many of the young players during the formative years of their careers.
In total, Wallis played 162 games for the Bulldogs and kicked 109 goals.
“I’ve just got so much gratitude towards the Western Bulldogs Football Club,” Wallis said.
“Playing for the red, white and blue was a childhood dream and this club has been my second home for more than a decade.
“Despite the disappointment of finishing at the Bulldogs, I will weigh up what comes next for me over the coming weeks.
“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the support of many people at the Bulldogs and their guidance, particularly over the past 12 months, and it’s something I will always cherish.
“I’ve got so many wonderful memories and friendships that I take with me, and I will be forever grateful to run out onto Marvel Stadium in front of the amazing Bulldogs fans.”
Senior Coach Luke Beveridge lauded the career of Wallis and the contribution he has made to the Club.
“Mitch has been a highly respected and professional Bulldogs person from the day he arrived. He has poured his heart and soul into his football,” Beveridge said.
“He has been a committed and supportive club man and an influential leader, having experienced the honour of being vice-captain.
“Unfortunately, he has been held back with injury at times, which has hindered his continuity and ability to influence on the field.
“Mitch has forged intimate bonds with all at our Club. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with him whatever comes next.
“I would like to thank Mitch personally for being a great support for everyone at the Club, and we wish him, Emily, Charlotte and William all the best for the future.”
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
What a shame, I thought he was a great leader and bled red, white and blue. I hope he gets picked up elsewhere. Thanks Mitch for your loyalty.
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
Originally Posted by
cinder
What a shame, I thought he was a great leader and bled red, white and blue. I hope he gets picked up elsewhere. Thanks Mitch for your loyalty.
Great to have you back, Cinder.
"It's over. It's all over."
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
Originally Posted by
EasternWest
Great to have you back, Cinder.
Many thanks EW! I've been lurking here and there
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
Originally Posted by
cinder
Many thanks EW! I've been lurking here and there
"It's over. It's all over."
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
Sad news, hope to see him at the club in some capacity next season.
Western Bulldogs: 2016 Premiers
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
Hear hear.
Absolutely loved Wal. Always carried himself as a true pro. Great ambassador for the club always (having seen him at Auskick & kids clinics). And although I could understand reasons why he didn't play in the seniors at times, personally I always liked seeing him in the team, knowing what you'd get in a contest. Really didn't miss that many games before he broke his leg, so maybe a bit of what might have been. But seemingly without complaint, reinvented himself.
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
Such a shame. His injury in 2016 really did prove to hobble his him from reaching his full potential on field. He always carried himself with such professionalism and dignity and if not for injury I suspect he would've been a more influential figure in the team.
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
I wonder if he was shopped around during the trade period and didn't get any bites.
All the best Mitch, a great career at the Dogs and a great Bulldogs person.
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
All the best to Mitch. So unlucky to have not played in the 2016 premiership team. As Ozza said, that broken leg really held him back in subsequent years.
FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
I hope he’s not lost to the club. His career was chopped and changed about what was best for the team and what different coaches wanted. A professional team first man to the end. He honoured the #3. Such a shame that horrific broken leg cost him the chance to win a flag. May there be a third Wallis generation playing for us down the track. Thanks Mitch.
Rocket Science: the epitaph for the Beveridge era - whenever it ends - reading 'Here lies a team that could beat anyone on its day, but seldom did when it mattered most'. 15/7/2023
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
Understandable but still shattered by this.
"It's over. It's all over."
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
A real heart and soul type guy who seemed a genuinely nice human being. Gave his all, went through some horrific injury luck and last year a horrendous family tragedy. It was time, but he's the kind of guy that is hard to let go of.
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Re: Thanks Mitch Wallis
Best wishes to Mitch. A truly great Bulldog who gave his all.
I hope he remains at the club. Seems a natural for coaching and development.
Listening to Brahm's 3rd Racket