AFL Draft: Highly regarded Knight on comeback trail from ACL injury

Northern Knights midfielder Mitch Moate shapes as a surprise packet to watch in the 2025 Coates Talent League.

A product of the Epping Football Club, Moate was part of the Vic Metro under-16s squad in 2023 before rupturing his ACL in early 2024, limiting him to just three appearances for the Knights.

It followed a big pre-season according to those around the Northern Knights, which included extensive training with Zak Johnson, drafted to Essendon with pick 70 last year.

Moate is almost certain to face a delayed start to 2025, but will be looking to make up for lost time when he does return.

The 17-year-old was overlooked for both the AFL Academy and Vic Metro summer training hub - both goals of his prior to his injury.

A well-respected player among his peers, there was a groundswell of support for the Northern Knights 2024 leadership group member following his setback, including from AFL superstar Christian Petracca.

“He was a really good support early doors, just gave me a buzz and it was really meaningful,” Moate told Zero Hanger's Craft of the Draft. 

Christian was put in touch with Moate by brother and AFL player agent Julian Petracca, who manages the youngster at Connors Sports Management.

Having suffered the same injury, Petracca was able to offer Moate valuable insight.

“(He recommended I focus on) really having a strong mental brain early and do all the little things right (in) the first three months because that will set you up for the rest of the recovery," Moate said of the Norm Smith Medal winner.

"I'd just give him a message here and there.

"He rang me and said to me ‘message whenever you need me' so that was massive."

A strongbodied player with a high running capacity, Moate is set to be a leader of the Knights midfield in 2025, and will likely also spend time forward, alongside his commitments at Parade College.

“In 2025, I just want to get out and start enjoying my football again and once I'm enjoying my football, I'm hopefully going to be playing some good football,” Moate said.

“Hopefully I'll get a trial at (Vic) Metro and if not, continue to keep playing my best footy and I'm hopeful for the next three to five years.”

Physiotherapist and The Athlete HQ director Jon Esmaquel has overseen Moate's rehabilitation and heaped praise on the youngster's progress and attitude.

“I couldn't speak of him highly enough in terms of how he's attacked his rehab," Esmaquel said.

"I wouldn't begrudge anyone if they felt sorry for themselves after an injury like an ACL but he's been positive from the start in wanting to do as much as he could to get back to even better than he was previously.

“He's been very positive, strongheaded in terms of wanting to get back and do as much as he can so I couldn't be prouder of him.”

Alongside Moate, other Knights to watch in 2025 include Carlton Academy small forward Tyson Gresham and half forward Seb Murphy - the brother of Adelaide's Lachie - while bottom-aged Vic Metro listed key defenders Tate Hodgson and Harry Van Hattum are 2026-eligible draft talent to keep an eye on.