2025 Anytime Fitness Men’s Rising Star – Mitch Lloyd

“There is still huge upside to what he can bring, and what makes him special is that he will leave no stone unturned to realise his potential.”

Mitch Lloyd has become University Blues’ first VAFA Anytime Fitness Rising Star winner since Dan Nicholson in 2010 after taking out the prestigious award for season 2025.

The 19-year-old’s football journey began with Koroit Under 12s in the Hampden League in western Victoria (on the outskirts of Warrnambool), and he rose through the ranks to make his senior debut for the Saints in 2022.

Mitch also played Coates League for GWV Rebels in 2023-24 before moving to Melbourne to study Property, Real Estate & Commerce at Deakin Burwood in 2025, while also playing 4 VFL games for Geelong.

“My older brother Jamie plays for the Blues, so I decided to join him at the club this year,” said Mitch.

“But because I did a full VFL pre-season with the Cats, I only rocked up to one or two Blues’ training sessions before Round 1 and only knew a few faces. So, I didn’t have that close connection with my new teammates yet.

“It didn’t take too long though, because most of the lads are country boys themselves and have been in the same position as the new kid coming in. So, the boys all got around me, and there are so many young lads who are really great fellas, plus we’ve got the older crew who are good mentors and set the standards for us to follow.”

Lloyd slotted seamlessly into the Blues’ defence, stepping into Premier Men’s football with the composure of a veteran, playing 16 matches in his first season in the VAFA, averaging 18 disposals (8 intercept possessions), 8 marks and 3 Rebound 50s as a key defensive cog in the Blues’ backline.

“It was only my second year as a key defender. I’d been a key forward through most of my junior years, then last year, the Rebels swung me back into defence. I feel like I’m more of a natural defender and my strengths line up with that role, with reading the ball and marking.

“I really enjoyed the standard of footy. It provides the perfect step up to VFL level and higher,” said Mitch.

Coach Matt Smith was delighted with Mitch’s development in his debut year.

“It was great to see Mitch rewarded with the Rising Star Award, and it is certainly a well-deserved honour,” said Matt.

“Mitch came to us on Geelong’s VFL list, and immediately impressed with his professionalism. He never missed a beat at training, and always bought into our team meetings.

“From Rounds 1 to 4, he was unbelievable down back, keeping us in games in some close losses, and carrying us across the line in some close wins. It was easy to forget that he was still eligible to play in the Under 19s competition!”

Mitch’s early-season form saw him earn selection in the Big V Under 19 team, which scored a thumping win over the Bendigo Football League in July.

“That was a bit of fun,” Mitch smiled. “Obviously, I only met the other fellas three or four times prior to game day, and it was great to meet a few boys my own age from around the competition. It was good to get the win as well.”

Mitch feels that his first season in the VAFA has been beneficial for his growth.

“Yeah, I had a really good development year with the Blues and down at Geelong, mainly working on my defensive craft. Areas such as knowing when to peel off my man and intercept, versus knowing when to take him one-on-one. My decision-making with the ball in hand when coming out of the back half has really developed, too.”

Matt Smith – who enjoyed a productive VFL career of his own – agrees that Mitch is only just scratching the surface of his capabilities.

“There is still huge upside to what he can bring, and what makes him special is that he will leave no stone unturned to realise his potential,” says Smith.

“For his sake, I hope he sees more VFL time next year, but selfishly, we are a significantly better team with him in it!”

Mitch is already looking ahead to 2026 as the next step on his journey.

“I’m aiming towards becoming a consistent VFL player,” he says. “I’ve signed with Werribee for next year, and I’ll be giving everything I can to try and get the best out of myself. AFL is still the goal and the dream, so hopefully I can tick off more steps over the next couple of years and get my name in there one day.”

History suggests that the VAFA Anytime Fitness Rising Star Award is a useful stepping stone towards higher honours.

“It’s pretty cool to be recognised by the League and it’s something I’m quite proud of. It’s a high honour and a good list of previous winners who have gone on to do good things at higher levels.

“I’d like to thank Uni Blues and all my teammates and coaches for helping me play my best footy.

“I’d also like to thank Mum and Dad, who, between the two of them, didn’t miss many games. They catch the train up from Koroit, which is an 8-hour round trip, to support me. Marty Gleeson’s family, who are also from Koroit, make the trip with them, and it’s a long day, so I certainly appreciate it!”

The VAFA congratulates Mitch Lloyd of University Blues on joining our illustrious list of Rising Star winners, and we look forward to following Mitch’s footballing journey in the seasons ahead.