The WAFL Eagles have added another high-quality recruit with Sandover medallist and former Port Adelaide midfielder Kane Mitchell set to make a one-off state league comeback against former side Claremont on Sunday.
After West Coast premiership backman Will Schofield answered the Eagles’ call in their hour of need last week, Mitchell has been cleared on a gameday permit for an appearance for Rob Wiley’s undermanned team.
The WAFL Eagles are again faced with availability challenges after fielding just four AFL-listed players – including two young Next Generation Academy players – in last round’s 108-point loss to East Fremantle.
Mitchell is currently captain-coach of Quairading Football Club, which has a bye in the Avon competition this weekend, allowing the former Tigers captain to return to Revo Fitness Stadium in round four of the WAFL campaign.
The 33-year-old is a three-time best and fairest at Claremont, two-time premiership player and captained the club where he notched up 141 senior games.
Mitchell returned to the Tigers in 2018 after a four-year stint at Port Adelaide, where he played 35 games and kicked 19 goals after being drafted as a rookie at the end of 2012 - the year he was adjudged the WAFL's best player.
His leadership, experience and renowned attack on the football will be handy attributes for the WAFL Eagles.
“We are grateful for Kane putting his hand up to help us this weekend,” coach Rob Wiley said.
“Kane is of outstanding character and his football career speaks for itself.
“We know that Kane will bring his experience and leadership qualities as well as his ball winning ability to the team this weekend against the Tigers.”