Former Geelong Cats premiership player Mitch Duncan has made a surprise appearance at the Australian cricket team's training session on the eve of the highly anticipated Ashes series. The 34-year-old AFL veteran was seen observing proceedings at Perth's training ground, fully kitted out in official Cricket Australia apparel.
From Football Field to Cricket Ground
Duncan, who recently retired after a brilliant 16-year career in the AFL, blended seamlessly with the coaching staff during Australia's final preparations for the first Test. The 305-game Geelong champion and member of the Cats' 2011 and 2022 premiership teams is understood to be spending the day with the national cricket squad.
This isn't the first time AFL identities have crossed codes to spend time with the Australian cricket team. The tradition includes former Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams, who attended MCG sessions ahead of last year's Boxing Day Test against India, and recently sacked Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew, who appeared in full Australian kit during the 2023 Ashes tour in England.
Post-Retirement Move West
Since ending his distinguished AFL career, Duncan has immediately transitioned into coaching, taking up an assistant coaching role with West Coast Eagles in his home state of Western Australia. "It's been a pretty hectic couple of weeks," Duncan revealed shortly after this year's grand final. "One minute it's leading into a grand final, and the next you're house hunting back home in Perth."
The connection between Duncan and the Australian cricket team likely stems from coach Andrew McDonald's recent appointment to the Geelong board in September. McDonald, who has maintained a relationship with the Cats since 2016, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the AFL club, noting his "real passion for AFL football" and the opportunity to contribute to an organization committed to "constant improvement."
Australia Confirms First Test Lineup
Meanwhile, the Australian team has finalized its starting eleven for the opening Ashes Test, with some significant selections. Opener Jake Weatherald will make his Test debut alongside fast bowler Brendan Doggett, who earns his spot following Josh Hazlewood's hamstring injury.
Weatherald, raised in the Northern Territory, becomes Usman Khawaja's sixth opening partner since David Warner's Test retirement in January 2024. The selection means Tasmania teammate Beau Webster misses out, having been dropped after playing seven Tests since his remarkable debut against India earlier this year.
Australia's confirmed XI for the first Test: Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett.
