Mitch Wallis announcement leaves AFL fans heartbroken: 'Sad to see'
AFL fans have expressed their sadness after Mitch Wallis was axed by the Western Bulldogs on Monday after 12 seasons with the club.
The 29-year-old was a father-son recruit in 2010 and played 162 games for the Bulldogs, but cruelly missed out on the drought-breaking grand final triumph in 2016 through injury.
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Wallis played the first 17 games in 2016 before breaking his leg, watching on from the sidelines as the Bulldogs won the flag.
After beginning his career as a tagger, Wallis developed into a fully-fledged midfielder and then transformed into a forward, leading the Bulldogs' goal-kicking in 2020.
But the valued leader managed just 11 games over the last two seasons as injuries took their toll.
Wallis underwent foot surgery in July and missed the remainder of the 2022 campaign.
"I've just got so much gratitude towards the Western Bulldogs Football Club," Wallis said on Monday after being cut.
"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."
AFL world reacts to news about Mitch Wallis
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, a Footscray teammate of Wallis' father Steve during the mid-1990s, paid tribute to the departing veteran.
"Mitch has been a highly respected and professional Bulldogs person from the day he arrived," Beveridge said.
"He has poured his heart and soul into his football.
"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."
Wallis follows fellow father-son products Zaine Cordy (to St Kilda) and Lachie Hunter (Melbourne) out of the door at Whitten Oval this month, with Tom Liberatore, Sam Darcy and Rhylee West still on the list.
Fans took to social media to thank Wallis for his services the Bulldogs and express their heartache that he's leaving.
Sad to see. I always rated this bloke as a great team player. Hopefully he gets picked up by a young rebuilding side that needs a mentor type.
— Teflon Snake (vibes) (@SnakeTeflon) October 16, 2022
Rough end for Mitch Wallis. You'd have had him nailed on for 250+ games and a long term leadership role early on, unfortunately the broken leg in 2016 really derailed him. One of the vagaries of his career is that he never played in a winning final. https://t.co/mZhNegnCvp
— Rudi Edsall (@RudiEdsall) October 16, 2022
Pretty flat about this. Feel like he was very under utilised when fit these last couple of seasons. Hope he gets another go for a year or two at a contending team
— Jackson Jones (@Jackson78039011) October 17, 2022
OMG WHAT?! TRade or retirement?
— TK (@tk_bulba) October 17, 2022
Since the leg break he’s not been the same player, had a bit of an Indian summer in the hub but his pace used to be a weapon and it just wasn’t there. Still goes down as a bulldog hero, bled for the jumper.
— Bob Kerr (@bobdownunder86) October 17, 2022
We’ll never forget Wally’s contribution to our 2016 Premiership Year; deep into July on the field and inspirational presence off the field thereafter. Heart and soul through and through. Thank you 😔
— Carmen Petropulo ❤️⚪️💙 (@Mansfield_Petro) October 17, 2022
with AAP
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