MELBOURNE’S second and final pick in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft, Mitch Clisby, was simply overwhelmed when his dream became a reality and he was drafted after being overlooked in several drafts.

Clisby was taken at No.19 by the Demons, having originally been eligible to be drafted back in 2008.

“To be honest I can’t explain how happy I am to be given an opportunity after two or three years’ hard work. It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I do know I’m extremely happy,” he said.
“Obviously the Melbourne Football Club has been pretty happy [with me] and has picked me up, so I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.

“It’s definitely been my best year of footy … by a long way.” 

Despite the disappointment of being overlooked for several drafts, Clisby said he felt he was in contention this time. But he didn’t monitor his prospects online, instead preferring to wait by his phone. 

“I thought I was a chance - probably not a massive chance - but at least I knew I was in the mix,” he said.

“I refused to tune in live or watch it online so when I got the text message from the club I was speechless. I didn’t know what to do with myself. It was a shock, but it was unbelievable and I can’t explain how happy I am.

“The first text came from [national recruiting officer] Gary [Burleigh], then my manager Marty Pask and then [recruiting boss] Todd [Viney] gave me a buzz.”

Clisby spoke about his journey from New South Wales to South Australia and now Victoria. But to add to the story, his first port of call for Melbourne will be in the Northern Territory, when he flies from Adelaide to join the club’s pre-season training camp on Wednesday.

“Basically in 2008, I played for New South Wales in the under 18 carnival and then I missed the draft and rookie drafts that year,” he said.

“I had to make a decision, where the next best place was for me to continue my career, and North Adelaide was pretty keen to get me down here in South Australia. 

“I spent a year or two in the reserves with a few small injuries, which didn’t help, but the last few years I’ve managed to keep my spot, week in week out, in the League squad and play some good footy.”

The 22-year-old, originally from Broken Hill, had a fine season with North Adelaide in the SANFL, under the tutelage of former Port Adelaide star Josh Francou. There, he developed into a dashing half-back. Clisby said his ability to take the game on and attack through the corridor and set-up play from defence was his main attributes.

“The last two years, Josh has given me a licence to basically play my game, take the game on, take risks and that’s defiantly helped my confidence,” he said.

“He has been a massive influence on my game and I couldn’t thank him enough. I just spoke to him [after being drafted] and he was pretty happy, but at the same time pretty disappointed I was leaving the Roosters.

“Also Daniel Healy, the coach before Josh Francou, was the one that gave me the opportunity at League footy, and I couldn’t thank him enough either.”

Clisby is also great mates with Adelaide forward Taylor Walker, having grown up together. He said the star goalkicker had been a strong influence.

“Basically, I’ve been mates with him my whole life. We grew up playing junior sports together - cricket, basketball and footy - you name it, we played it,” he said.

“We obviously have a very good relationship, being both in Adelaide, and we catch up every few nights for dinner.

“He has helped me quite a fair bit. He has given me some stories and experiences along the way and it’s turned me into a better footballer, so he will remain one of my best mates for the rest of my life.”

Clisby will reunite with former teammate North Adelaide teammate Luke Tapscott, while he also has some other South Australian connections at the club.

“I played with Luke Tapscott for 12 months when we played at North Adelaide, so I know Tappy pretty well,” he said.

“I have met Trenners (Jack Trengove) a few times and obviously Jimmy Toumpas -I’ve played against him a few times this year. And then I know Jack Viney through the Roosters as well and his old man (Todd Viney) through North Adelaide.

“It’s good that I know a few people and hopefully I can build some good relationships with everyone else.”

As for arriving in Darwin on Wednesday, Clisby said the conditions will be a bit of a shock, but he couldn’t wait to arrive.

“The first thing they said to me was ‘you’ve got a 35 km walk on Thursday in Jabiru’,” he said.

“I’ve got a few weeks training under my belt at North Adelaide so I’m prepared for anything, but more importantly I’m looking forward to getting up there and mingling with the boys and introducing myself.”