Bloods sign midfielder Mitch Maguire

The West Adelaide Football Club is excited to announce our third major signing for 2021 in Mitch Maguire.

The 22 year old midfielder comes to us from the Canberra Demons in the NEAFL and has signed a two year deal with the club.

Over 2018 and 2019 the midfielder averaged 29 possessions a game as well as 4 marks and 4 tackles.

As COVID caused the NEAFL competition to be shut down in 2020, Mitch played for the Belconnen Magpies in the AFL Canberra competition.

Mitch grew up in regional NSW in a small village called Mirrool. He played all his junior football with the Northern Jets whilst also playing with the Giants Academy and NSW/ACT Rams.

Football manager Wayne Siekman said, ‘The club is thrilled to be able to get the signature of Mitch as he is a player we rate highly, he will certainly bolster our midfield ranks and his ability to go forward and hit the scoreboard will also be great value to us’.

‘He also brings outstanding leadership to the club, being the Vice Captain of a NEAFL side shows you the qualities he has on and off the field. He has been a player that clearly helped raise Canberra from a bottom half side to a Preliminary Final team in 2019’

‘Finally, Mitch wanted to sign for 2 years, as he truly believes the club is heading in the right direction and wants to ensure he is a part of the club’s next success and this is a great show of faith to not just the club but to the players, staff, members and supporters’

When asked how he would describe his style of play, Mitch said he is “a competitive and disciplined midfielder who has an equal balance of winning contested and uncontested footy.”

Mitch spoke about wanting to play some consistent football throughout the course of the year but also to have some team success.

“It would be great if we can be on the verge of making finals. Once you are in finals anything can happen.”

“When moving to Canberra I really enjoyed the challenge of helping to turn a lower rated side into one that is competitive towards the end of the year.”

“This is what excites me about West Adelaide. They have recruited well in the off season and I can see a bright future with the list they have.”

“Obviously it takes time for clubs to turn things around so I wanted to commit for 2 years to be a part of the exciting journey.”

The prospect of having Brad Gotch as coach was important to signing with the club.

“I am very keen to work with Gotchy. He has a very impressive CV and has a lot of coaching and playing experience.”

“After chatting to him it is obvious that he has a very positive mindset and truly believes that he can help in bringing Westies some success.”

When asked if he has a message for our members and supporters this year Mitch said, “Get behind us this year. There are a lot of fresh faces around the club and I am very confident that we will be having some success in 2021. More supporters at games always gives the players a big advantage so get to as many games as possible, we’re in for a big year!”

Mitch won the NEAFL Rising Star Award in 2018 as well as Canberra’s best-and-fairest, was included in the NEAFL Team of the Year honours as well as finishing in the top five of the NEAFL MVP Award voting. He received interest from the Sydney Swans, being asked to train with the club before the 2018 draft.

We welcome Mitch and his partner Claire to the West Adelaide Football Club.