Geelong Falcons AFL Draft prospect Hugo Mikunda is set to bring more than just a flashy skillset to an AFL club if drafted in November.
Athleticism, impact with ball in hand and versatility, he ticks the boxes from a skillset point of view, which was on show at a high-impact U18s National Championships for Vic Country.
What 2025 provided the Bell Park junior, though, was excellent off-field growth.
Stress fractures suffered in late 2024 delayed Mikunda's start to 2025, while he missed the last match of the season and AFL Draft National Combine – where he was anticipated to test well – with a hamstring injury.
That followed the athletic forward having to deal with the frustration of being named Geelong's U16s captain only to miss the Falcons' matches and opportunity to press for Vic Country selection due to a broken hand sustained in a practice match in 2023.
“I learned so much about my body during that time,” Mikunda told Craft of the Draft.
“I smashed a whole bunch of back and core and watched a lot of vision to learn about where I could implement using my speed and power in games.”
| 38 RANK |  | Hugo Mikunda Geelong Falcons Forward HEIGHT: 180cm | â–¶+ |
Mikunda had a powerful ally through that period – former Western Bulldog and North Melbourne reconditioning coach Daniel Cross, with whom he has a family connection.
Armed with a rehabilitation program and advice from Cross while sidelined, Mikunda made great mental progress, speaking candidly about the difficulty of watching his teammates prepare for 2025.
“There was probably one time, one night I remember coming home just absolutely cracking it,” Mikunda said.
“Obviously, you're battling every time but there was one night I just came home, threw my bag on the ground, went to my room and just laid there thinking about it, but, I got past that.
“You hit little milestones like first run back, and then first kick back, and all those puts a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.
“Since then, I feel like I've realised injuries aren't forever. They're just sort of set like little setbacks, the path shape you even like this hammy, I'm in the mindset that it's not forever.
“It probably could be a positive in a way, to see that there's a little weak area to strengthen hopefully leading into an AFL pre-season so I can see the positive in everything now.”
In between the setbacks, Mikunda's year was highlighted by a standout National Championships where his blend of getting high up the ground, delivering inside 50 and ability to hit the scoreboard stood out.
The Falcons prospect, who models his game on Zac Bailey, was consensually viewed as Vic Country's best player in its game against the title-winning South Australia on Marvel Stadium.
Six weeks later, Mikunda played a one-off game for Werribee VFL, where he played the high half forward to perfection, which strengthened his self-belief that he has what it takes to take the next step.
“I feel like I use my power more now (than before my injury) by breaking lines and driving my legs,” Mikunda said.
“Something I love about my game, and I want to try and keep improving on my game is being a damaging king of player that doesn't need a whole bunch of disposals but can turn a game just like that.
“Playing that high half forward role, I think that's something that's really important.”
Mikunda's hamstring injury denied him the chance to show off his excellent athletic profile at the National AFL Draft Combine, with his repeat running, top-end speed, endurance and agility all aspects that take his game to the next level.
The teenager believes his time away allowed him to learn more about bringing those traits out in games, with his Geelong coach Paul Corrigan indicating it complements his skillset beautifully as he seeks to make the step up.
“I think what he's what he's really added to his game playing the high forward role is a real balance and appetite to hunt the opposition and defend, and he has impact from an offensive point-of-view with ball in hand,” Corrigan said.
“It makes him a really impactful player.
“We worked hard throughout his 17s year and this year in making him versatile by playing him through the midfield and allowing him to show his contested stuff and he's only going to continue to grow as he enters a full-time program.
“You never want players to have injuries but for him to understand how to get through it, look at the process and be really detailed with it – he ticked every box and I think that helped him have continuity.”
Geelong contemporary and top 10 prospect Josh Lindsay has perhaps overshadowed Mikunda's growth, with the pair sharing a close relationship and spending time training together across their time in the talent pathway.
Speaking at the AFL Draft National Combine, Lindsay gave Mikunda a glowing endorsement.
“He's a gun,” Lindsay said. “He's one of my best mates and we put a mountain of work in together.
“He's had a fair few injuries over the last couple of years but when he's up and firing, I think he's one of the best players in the draft and he's so clean and his athleticism is really good as well.”
The AFL Draft is set to take place from November 19-20, with Mikunda anticipated to be selected on the second night.
