Crows draftee Mitchell Marsh is still learning the rhythms of life as a professional footballer, but long before landing on Adelaide’s AFL list, his name already carried a high-profile sporting link.
In a twist of fate, the 18-year-old’s name also belongs to current Australian T20 Cricket Captain and Perth Scorchers all-rounder Mitch Marsh.
Adding to their uncanny sporting connection, they met for the first time at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, with the cricketer arriving in South Australia ahead of the Scorchers’ BBL clash against the Strikers.
The younger Mitch said it was great to catch up with the cricketer and chat about sport, while having a laugh on their shared name.
“It was a bit weird being able to meet him, but it’s a great opportunity because I’ve always watched him play and looked up to him in a way, so it’s pretty special,” he said.
“My cricket career was short, I tried, but it was probably always going to be footy in the end.”
The Crow has even inherited the nickname ‘Bison’, originally given to the Australian cricketer.
“I guess everyone just calls me Bison because I have the same name as him, so most people just end up saying it, especially the older boys,” the Crows forward said.
The Australian cricketer, meanwhile, said he first became aware of the footballer late last year ahead of the 2025 AFL Draft.
The senior Mitch also grew up playing footy, representing WA at the 2008 AFL under-18 championships, before deciding to pursue a career in cricket.
“It’s not too often that you meet someone with the same name as you, certainly not someone who is starting out a career in professional sport,” the 34-year-old said.
“I did post a big thank you on social media when he got drafted (to the Crows) saying ‘great day and I’m very proud’.
“What could’ve been with my footy career … I was certainly more of an old school full-forward and I’m not sure I would’ve made it in modern day football where forwards have to defend, so I think I made the right choice.
“It’s very exciting (to meet him) and hopefully we can keep in contact.”
The all-rounder has had plenty of experience being part of the professional sport world, having made his debut for Australia’s ODI team in 2011, becoming a member of the Australian teams that won the 2015 World Cup, and the 2021 T20 World Cup.
So, the Australian T20 Captain had some advice for the Crows youngster who is in the midst of his first AFL pre-season.
“It’s an exciting time of his life to be starting out his career, he’s an Adelaide boy, so it’s even more special for him and his family,” Marsh said.
“The most important thing is to enjoy what you do, and I spoke to him earlier and he said he’s loving it, so that’s the main thing at this stage, and hopefully he gets a start.”
The Crows returned to pre-season training last week, after a break for Christmas, while the Scorchers face the Strikers at Adelaide Oval on Sunday at 6.45pm.
