AFL Mid-Season Draft: Podiatrist-Turned-Forward Joins Collingwood
Collingwood Football Club has added a mature-age goalkicker to its ranks, selecting Coburg forward Mitch Podhajski with pick 17 in the 2026 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
At 27 years old, Podhajski brings a unique blend of elite football talent and professional medical expertise. By day, he works as a sports podiatrist; on the field, he is currently the VFL's leading goalkicker, having booted 27 goals from eight games this season.
"Podhajski leads the VFL goalkicking with 27 majors from eight games, after finishing second in the Miller Medal last season with 54 goals."
His path to the AFL has been unconventional. Podhajski attended Draft Combines as a teenager but was overlooked. It has taken nearly a decade for another opportunity to arise, with Collingwood now offering him a six-month contract.
Key Context for the Selection
Collingwood's decision was driven by immediate needs in the forward line. The club has been hit hard by injuries to key targets Jamie Elliott and Brody Mihocek, creating a pressing need for forward depth.
A Long Time Coming
For Podhajski, the selection marks the culmination of years of persistence—finally earning an AFL opportunity after a strong VFL campaign. He will now join the Magpies for the remainder of the season.