The second chapter of Mitch Hallahan’s AFL career began strongly in Townsville on Sunday, with the inside midfielder gathering plenty of leather in his maiden SUNS appearance.
 
The 22-year-old was one of the standout performers in Gold Coast’s eight-point victory over Geelong in the opening NAB Challenge fixture at Tony Ireland Stadium.
 
Hallahan landed in Carrara in early November after being traded from Hawthorn following four seasons and six senior games at Waverley Park.

The stoppage specialist battled to secure a regular berth in the Hawks engine room due to the presence of triple-premiership stars Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis and Shaun Burgoyne.
 
In extreme heat conditions, Hallahan collected a team high 24 possessions, including 12 contested, as well as a game-high eight clearances, to get off the mark in impressive fashion.

VIDEO: See what Rodney Eade said to the media following the NAB Challenge match against Geelong.
 
“It was good out there, new bunch of boys, such a talented list. I think it was bloody good to be out there with the boys, hopefully it looked pretty good on the telly as well,” Hallahan told SUNS TV following the opening NAB Challenge fixture.
 
“I think we took some steps forward, especially as a midfield group. I thought we were really consistent over four quarters and played some good footy.”
 
With the SUNS batting deep in the midfield division, Hallahan acknowledged the need for him to mount his case over the pre-season competition to secure a spot in Rodney Eade’s round one side.
 
“It’s still early days, (good to) get through this one unscathed, build some momentum,” he said.
 
“There’s a fair bit of competition through that midfield area, hopefully with some good form, might find myself there in round one.”