Mitch Hallahan was brought to the Gold Coast to add another dimension to a midfield division brimming with classy ball users. Renowned for his inside work and ability to get the ball out of stoppages, Hallahan’s signing in October filled a specific hole at Metricon Stadium.
With an onball brigade consisting of established and emerging stars, a specialist extractor was identified as the missing component needed to take this division to the next level. In Sunday’s opening NAB Challenge fixture, Hallahan provided a first glimpse of the service he could provide in 2015.
Gold Coast leader David Swallow was impressed by the off-season acquisition’s clean ball use against the Cats, explaining the addition of Hallahan will allow for a more efficient midfield. Ultimately, resulting in a better performing midfield.
“He had a good game, found plenty of the footy, used the ball well so he’s going to be a good addition for us this year,” Swallow told the media at Ronald McDonald House in Townsville on Tuesday.
“It’s been documented he’s a good inside player. He’s obviously very clean and he has got good skills, so he’s going to bring another dimension to our midfield and allow a couple of the outside players not to have to play inside as much.
VIDEO: Take a look at Nick Malceski and Jarrod Harbrow's community camp visit to Palm Island.
“I think he’s already fitted in well. So I think when we get a few of the other midfielders back, I’m sure it wont take long to learn how he plays.”
After more than six months between competitive matches, last season’s best and fairest winner was pleased to get back into the swing of things after an extended break due to this season’s later start.
“First quarter I sort of tried to find my feet a bit, just sort of running around really no idea what I was doing,” Swallow said.
“It was sort of good just to blow the cobwebs out and get back into playing footy.”
With a six-day break between the opening two NAB Challenge fixtures, this week’s focus will be on recovery ahead of Saturday’s match against Greater Western Sydney in Blacktown.
