300 days. That’s how long it was between the day Mitch Wallis endured one of the ugliest injuries in footy, to his triumphant return to the highest level against the Cats at Simonds Stadium.
Wallis was his side’s best player that night in Geelong, an impressive feat on the surface, but less so for those who know Mitch. Still impressive, but not really surprising.
Westernbulldogs.com.au interviewed Wallis in the days after the 2016 Grand Final, and in that chair was a man wrestling with the emotions of seeing his close mates lift the premiership cup, paired with missing out on the opportunity to join them on the dais.
What you also saw was a determination that would regularly bubble to the service. There was no doubt that Wallis would get back, and probably scale new heights when he did.
Speaking to the Herald Sun after the Geelong match Wallis, gave an insight to what’s been driving him for the almost 10 months out of the game.
“There is a fair bit of documentation that people coming back from long-term injuries have a slow (first) six months,” he said.
“I am going to buck that trend, I am not going to fall for that.”
Wallis had been a wrecking ball since he made his initial return at VFL level, where he averaged 31.3 touches over three games, including a mighty 34 disposal, 11 tackle, three goal performance in game one.
In his two games back at AFL level, he’s done all that and more.
His 27 disposals per game is four more than his previous career high, while spending 81.5% of his time in the middle, 12% up from last year. He’s also posted career highs in tackles, inside 50s, goals and kicking efficiency.
It’s early, but the signs are encouraging, and a tribute to the work he’s put in since that day last July.
Teammate, Tory Dickson told the Sunday Footy Show that Wallis has been ‘amazing.’
“He’s an amazing fella, he’s just been so professional in his rehab. Obviously coming back from my injury, I was in rehab with him for a majority of the time.
“The way he’s come back has been unbelievable, he’s a contested beast, and even his ball execution going into forward 50 has been absolutely great
“He’s a great player and we’ve welcomed him back with open arms.”
Wallis is due to play his 100th game for the Club on July 7 against the Crows in Adelaide.
