Mitch Harris: A defender who knows when to go
If there is a better mark of the footy and judge of the ball in the air in this draft, I haven’t seen them. Mitch Harris is impressive.
The 196cm key defender reads the flight early, establishes his position and has the hands to finish the job. He is comfortable defending from in front or behind, and he backs himself to leave an opponent when there is an opportunity to help a teammate.
There is something of Jeremy McGovern about how he reads and controls the incoming ball.
His kicking is the concern. I think decision making with ball in hand is a bigger issue than the technique, although there are parts of the action worth looking at too.
But the defensive foundations are strong, and he has already held his own against senior opposition.
He reads it early
Harris’ aerial judgment is his biggest strength.
He reads the flight and drop of the ball really well, then puts himself in a position to influence it. That can mean attacking the mark, moving across to spoil or holding his ground because his teammate has it covered.
His decisions about when to go and when to stay are really good.
That matters for an intercepting defender. Leaving your opponent creates an opportunity, but it also carries a responsibility to affect the contest you are moving towards and not leaving your team exposed.
Harris looks to understand that balance...........
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