Mitch Marsh Shares Words Of Advice For…Mitch Marsh

It was a case of Australian Rules meeting Cricket on the eve of Perth Scorchers’ recent trip to Adelaide to take on the Strikers, or more specifically, Australian T20 captain and Scorchers superstar Mitch Marsh meeting exciting No.22 draft pick Mitch Marsh.

Earlier this year, the elder Marsh jokingly suggested AFL clubs were staring down a “250 game-player” if the younger Marsh was half as good as him.

The powerful opening batter was a more than handy footballer in his own right, representing Western Australia in the 2008 AFL under-18 Championships.

So he was only too pleased to hear there was another elite sportsperson, particularly in the AFL landscape, that shared his name.

“I had a few people reach out saying he was a good prospect,” Marsh told reporters in Adelaide.

“I haven’t met any other Mitch Marsh’s in the world, so lucky there is one.

“I did a big thank you on social media the day he got drafted saying ‘great day and I’m very proud’.

“I’m a North Melbourne fan through and through, but I’ll definitely be watching the Crows this year.”

For the younger Marsh, who has also been given the nickname ‘Bison’, getting the chance to meet the superstar Scorcher was a surreal moment.

“I’ve been watching him throughout my whole life,” he said.

“I’ve always been a cricket supporter, and I’ve always gone for someone that has the same name as me.

“To be able to meet him is pretty cool.”

Much like the new Adelaide Crow, the senior Marsh had plenty of presence about him on the football field, spending most of his time in the forward line.

However, he’s more than content with his decision to pursue a career in cricket.

“It’s what could have been with my football career,” he said.

“I was certainly more of an old school full forward.

“I’m not sure I would’ve made it in today’s modern-day football where forwards have to defend.

“I think I made the right decision.”

As for words of wisdom for athletes starting out their career at the elite level, few are as well placed as the 34-year-old Marsh to deliver them.

With 46 Test Matches, 99 One-Day Internationals and getting set to lead Australia in next month’s ICC T20 World Cup, Marsh encouraged his namesake to make the most of every opportunity in front of him.

“I think it’s an exciting time in Mitch’s life to be starting his career,” he said.

“He’s an Adelaide boy, so that’s even more special for him and his family.

“I think the main thing as a youngster is to learn, grow and enjoy what you’re doing.”

The senior Marsh lit up Adelaide Oval in Sunday’s KFC BBL|15 game against Adelaide, belting 88 to inspire his side to a 32-run win.

The Crows, who start their 2026 season on March 14, will now be hoping the younger Marsh delivers similar heroics on the hallowed Adelaide Oval through his career.

Photo Credit: 
Connor Chamberlin/AFC Media.