Kyabram football product Mitch Dodos has made the move from the Bombers in Goulburn Valley League to Newtown and Chilwell Eagles in Geelong Football League.
Dodos is a former Bendigo Pioneer and has emerged as a promising key forward in the past 12 months in the GVL.
The young gun kicked 19 goals from 19 senior games for Kyabram last season, including a bag of five against Mooroopna.
Former AFL star Steve Johnson will be Dodos’ new coach at the Eagles, having also joined the club this season.
The three-time premiership Cat was coach of Yarrawonga in the Ovens and Murray League from 2023-24 — making the grand final in both seasons and securing the club’s first flag in a decade in 2023 — before making the move to Newtown and Chilwell for 2025.
Dodos, a 20-year-old student studying at Deakin University in Geelong, spent 2024 travelling to and from Kyabram to play for the Bombers and was looking for a club to train at in Geelong to keep his fitness and skills sharp.
When Dodos asked if he could train at Johnson's new club, it didn't take long for the three-time All-Australian to realise he wanted to lure the young gun to the Eagles’ nest.
“We were more than happy to accommodate him and another mate of his,” Johnson said.
“After seeing him a few times, I thought, ‘Hang on, we'd better ask the question whether we’re going to be able to get him or be any chance to get his services’.
“He was open to a conversation and then the more he trained, I think the more his mind comes around to potentially playing at the club.
“We’re probably a little bit light on with key position players and he fits that bill perfectly.
“He’s 6’5” (195cm) and very athletic, so he'll certainly be a dangerous player in our front half.
“And (he's) pretty versatile if we need him to play in other positions.”
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