Geelong has selected experienced SANFL midfielder Mitch Hardie with Pick 6 in the 2023 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

Recruited from Woodville West-Torrens Eagles, Hardie has been at the Eagles since 2021, playing 29 senior games, including spending time at the Club with current Cat Tyson Stengle in 2021.

Born in Leeton in country New South Wales, Hardie has also played senior football in both Canberra and Adelaide.

This season, the midfielder is averaging 25.7 disposals and a goal per game for the Eagles and represented the SANFL state side against the WAFL state side earlier this year.

Geelong Recruiting Manager Stephen Wells said he was thrilled to call Hardie’s name out on Wednesday night.

“We are delighted to bring Mitch into the Club, he is a mature player that has played good footy in the SANFL,”

“Mitch is a strong inside and outside midfielder who has clean hands in the contest and someone that will add to our midfield depth.”