SNAPSHOT: “A dangerous small forward and midfield option who has the capabilities to impact games without the need to accumulate a high number of possessions.” – Adrian Dixon

Boasting a serious amount of X-factor, Geelong Falcons prospect Hugo Mikunda is an exciting forward/midfielder who perhaps doesn’t get the recognition he deserves, however can play his role well in so many ways. His ability to hurt the opposition is evident in the way he uses the ball to set up others, while working opponents off their feet up the ground.

Beginning his footballing journey with the Bell Park Dragons, Mikunda was a standout in his underage football years where he would eventually represent the Barwon Cats in the Under 15 V-Line Cup in 2022. Mikunda had a strong 2023 campaign with Bell Park’s Under 16s and eventually moved up to their Under 18 side for the rest of the season, managing two games.

It was a solid end to the year having bounced back from a broken hand suffered early on, which denied him the opportunity to captain the Geelong Falcons in their games held in April. The injury also meant he was not able to put himself in the frame for Vic Country selection at the Under 16 National Championships that season.

That didn’t stop him from being included into the Geelong Falcons Under 18 squad as a bottom ager for 2024, managing 12 games and three goals. While his season was steady rather than spectacular and despite battling injury, he showed glimpses of his talent and was named to play in the Under 17s trial game against NSW/ACT in August. 

Although he was named in the Vic Country summer hub, Mikunda’s start to 2025 was again delayed from the injuries that he suffered at the back end from the previous season, however he was able to overcome them following a period in rehabilitation where he would work hard to make himself a better-rounded athlete upon return.

He made his way back to the Falcons side in late-April and produced a few handy performances at Werribee in consecutive weeks, firstly representing Vic Country against the Young Guns, and then for the Falcons against the Gippsland Power to secure his place in the Vic Country winter squad.

Mikunda played his high forward role to a t, especially against South Australia where he was considered by many as the team’s best player. Such performances saw his name rise up draft boards. After training with the Falcons’ traditional VFL partner Werribee alongside several teammates for, Mikunda received the call up to make his VFL debut in early August.

In what was also his first game against senior opposition, Mikunda made a seamless transition with 15 disposals and seven scoring involvements. Unfortunately for Mikunda, his season would finish the same way he started it, on the sidelines with injury and would therefore be unable to test at the draft combine.

Mikunda models his game on dual Brisbane Lions premiership star Zac Bailey and has also been compared to the likes of Bobby Hill. Another player that comes to mind, ableit going back a fair few years, is Norm Smith Medallist and dual Sydney premiership player, Ryan O’Keefe.

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