This from Inside Footy's Draft Special, fair chance Brett Anderson was the interviewer:

"Mitch is an AFL draft able player if he had two full year's without his injuries. He was in Vic Country's best 22 and copped a corkie on the Thursday night before the last game. He's our best ball user - he kicks it 70 metres on his left and is neat on his right, He's got a funny running style which can throw guys off - he is a level 14 beeper. he can play on a wing, go forward and kick goals, he can play down back. he is Michael Hibberd where he is right now - they questioned his running style, they questioned his ability to play at the next level, but in the system he is a kid who will work his arse off." - Dandenong Stingrays talent manager Mark Wheeler.

As many have commented, highlights are just highlights, and junior at that......but seriously if he can bring any of that laser disposal to our midfield / half back line he will become a very valuable player.

PS Strauss came with similar disposal accuracy accolades but we all found out that he couldn't get the ball nearly often enough to make use of that skill. However White looks different...as white does through rose coloured glasses.

Edited December 3, 201410 yr by monoccular

This from Inside Footy's Draft Special, fair chance Brett Anderson was the interviewer:

"Mitch is an AFL draft able player if he had two full year's without his injuries. He was in Vic Country's best 22 and copped a corkie on the Thursday night before the last game. He's our best ball user - he kicks it 70 metres on his left and is neat on his right, He's got a funny running style which can throw guys off - he is a level 14 beeper. he can play on a wing, go forward and kick goals, he can play down back. he is Michael Hibberd where he is right now - they questioned his running style, they questioned his ability to play at the next level, but in the system he is a kid who will work his arse off." - Dandenong Stingrays talent manager Mark Wheeler.

That bit kind of confuses me. He had injuries (not sure what besides the corkie) yet still won their B+F so was obviously fit for most of the season? Were the championships and him just playing in 1 game enough to say he's not draftable? Because many players get draft each year without playing in the champs (although it might be rarer these days).

Hibberd is a pretty high comparison, you wouldnt make that lightly. I know Hibberd had periods this year down on form and injured, but he's been close to AA form in the past.

I'm just glad we added a kicker from half back no matter what pick it was. If you look at our future team for a few years down the track it was such a glaring weakness. Pick 20 in the rookie draft isn't exactly a sure thing, but I'm glad we've got a kid in to at least compete for that spot.

Good stats.

http://www.sportingpulse.com/team_info.cgi?pID=196134485

Edited December 3, 201410 yr by Georgiou R.R. Martin

Very nice kick on the lad. THe highlights make him look amazing, but that is what they are designed to do. He shows a lot of courage in them, doesn't fear exposing himself to take the mark, throws his body in when spoiling. From the interviews and comments posted above we can take two negatives. One is that he has issues with his body. Like a few before him, he could be a talented kid who can't get on the park. Secondly his beep is good but not great, so he probably needs to work on his tank and his running. Given the pro's he showed, he looks like a very good rookie choice, and if he can get through the two years without breaking down he'll probably be a great addition when he's promoted.

Reminds me of Shannon Hurn, this kid could be a great player, love the left peg.

How long will Melbourne need to turn White's rapier left foot kicks into the Demons' trademark looping, wobbly nerf balls which land at the feet or on the head of a leading forward?

I reckon he is potentially a massive steal, long term half back playmaker

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2014-12-05/mitchell-white-first-day-at-the-club

Fair to say we didn't draft him for his public speaking or command of the English language.

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2014-12-05/mitchell-white-first-day-at-the-club

Fair to say we didn't draft him for his public speaking or command of the English language.

Dandy boy... Just like the skipper! Speaking isn't Jones forte either.

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2014-12-05/mitchell-white-first-day-at-the-club

Fair to say we didn't draft him for his public speaking or command of the English language.

He can grunt and point for all I care if he can get the ball and dispose of it accurately.

We're drafting football players, not public speakers

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2014-12-05/mitchell-white-first-day-at-the-club

Fair to say we didn't draft him for his public speaking or command of the English language.

Seems pretty nervous there. With luck he'll get lots more practice and relax a bit.

He can grunt and point for all I care if he can get the ball and dispose of it accurately.

We're drafting football players, not public speakers

Agree. He comes across as a hard kid, who is grateful for the chance and won't die wondering.

I am happy.

Dandy boy... Just like the skipper! Speaking isn't Jones forte either.

They both played at the stingrays but I wouldn't regard either as dandy boys, just saying. Mt.eliza & Seaford is a bit of travel to Dandy.

He didn't look out of place on the training track yesterday.

Edited December 5, 201410 yr by djr

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2014-12-05/mitchell-white-first-day-at-the-club

Fair to say we didn't draft him for his public speaking or command of the English language.

Fair go ... he's a young kid.

I can remember one of the first television interviews I saw when I was young. It was of a Melbourne recruit called "Hassa" Mann who was just down from the country and he was barely intelligible. He turned out to be a captain of the club and worked his way into top positions in business and was CEO of the club and a well spoken man. People can learn.

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2014-12-05/mitchell-white-first-day-at-the-club

Fair to say we didn't draft him for his public speaking or command of the English language.

Seriously mate?

Who cares what way he speaks, shy or not shy etc.. as long as makes a contribution out on the playing field it will be good enough for me.

This from Inside Footy's Draft Special, fair chance Brett Anderson was the interviewer:

"Mitch is an AFL draft able player if he had two full year's without his injuries. He was in Vic Country's best 22 and copped a corkie on the Thursday night before the last game. He's our best ball user - he kicks it 70 metres on his left and is neat on his right, He's got a funny running style which can throw guys off - he is a level 14 beeper. he can play on a wing, go forward and kick goals, he can play down back. he is Michael Hibberd where he is right now - they questioned his running style, they questioned his ability to play at the next level, but in the system he is a kid who will work his arse off." - Dandenong Stingrays talent manager Mark Wheeler.

Wow. The bit of this post that stood out to me is that the Dandenong Stingrays have a position called "Talent Manager". I honestly had no idea that TAC football was that sophisticated.

Not only is he a long kick but sees thing quickly and has nice touch with the short passes too

A career in footy requires 3 things. Talent, attitude and a body that can endure.

This guy looks really good.

Lets hope the stars align for him and for us.

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/video/2014-12-05/mitchell-white-first-day-at-the-club

Fair to say we didn't draft him for his public speaking or command of the English language.

OK from a mate of mine who's mate has connections with his school.

This bloke was School Captain,of his school this year I believe. He is reserved but thoughtful, an excellent role model, great student and has sensational community awareness.

My connection spoke extremely highly of him.

So let's put to bed these [censored] observations and let the kid grow in confidence and become a Future Melbourne player of some substance!

After the Liam Jurrah scenario and one or two others, IT would be refreshing to have a good young kid who is a role model at The MFC! IMO!

OK from a mate of mine who's mate has connections with his school.

This bloke was School Captain,of his school this year I believe. He is reserved but thoughtful, an excellent role model, great student and has sensational community awareness.

My connection spoke extremely highly of him.

So let's put to bed these [censored] observations and let the kid grow in confidence and become a Future Melbourne player of some substance!

After the Liam Jurrah scenario and one or two others, IT would be refreshing to have a good young kid who is a role model at The MFC! IMO!

Oh the irony.. Willing to give this kid time to grow in confidence yet slams Jimmy Toumpas when drafted straight away and claims a fail pick.

Edited December 13, 201410 yr by dazzledavey36

I would have thought young Jimmy toumpas was a pretty good role model picket, captain if his state as a junior

Ok Gloves are of

If my sources are Correct

Mitchell White will Overtake Toumpas in the selection stakes and yeah I know he is a rookie !!

Says a lot don't it?

Didn't answer the question picket just a pot shot at Jimmy

Ok may well be ex Captain of State and may well be a super bloke, but after two years, Universally the jury is out if he can play or not, Is that fair to say??

Your turn.....