From an AFL club to state leagues, this Hawk says it's a career highlight

Rovers Mitch Hardie (right) celebrates the grand final's first goal. Picture by Mark Jesser

Mitch Hardie's career has taken him from an AFL list to dominating at state-league level, but he capped a career highlight with a maiden premiership in Sunday's Ovens and Murray Football Netball League grand final.

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Hardie kicked the game's first goal and added another in the final term during the 35-point win over fierce rivals Wangaratta at Lavington Sportsground.

"The emotions are high, but if you take a quick step back for a second, I played a very small part in a machine that's been running for well over three years," he said. "To be able to contribute a little bit to the success of this footy club is something very special."

The win sealed a third successive flag for the Hawks, the first time in the league since Albury claimed the 2014 to 2016 titles. It is Rovers' first hat-trick since 1977 to 1979.

Hardie joined the Ovens and Murray as the highest-profile recruit last summer after spending a season-and-a-half on Geelong's AFL list from mid-2023 and winning VFL Team of the Year honours in two successive seasons.

He delivered with a sensational start to the grand final and could have claimed the Did Simpson Medal, but for ruck teammate Ed Dayman's superstar performance.

Mitch Hardie kicked two goals in the decider. Picture by Mark Jesser

The 29-year-old was asked if that was the highlight of his football journey, which also included stints in Canberra and SANFL outfit Woodville-West Torrens, where he was an emergency for the club's 2021 flag.

"That's the best of my career," he said. "You don't get to play in them every day. I've played in three now (the first two were at home club Leeton-Whitton) so third time lucky, I suppose.

"You can see it means so much. You look at the people out here now, I can't wait to celebrate with them."

Hardie's biggest fan is his 94-year-old grandfather and John Hardie was at the ground.

"Grandad is here somewhere," he said. "I don't know if he made it all the way on to the ground, but no doubt he's got a smile on his face."

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