Living at Burrumbuttock, the 18-year-old grew up playing Australian football for Hume league club Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock.

It was only when he tagged along to school league training with his older brother, Curtis, that he got the itch to play at Greenfield Park.

"I started out as an AFL player and only really got into league three or four years ago," Rhys said.

"My brother started playing league at school and the coach asked me if I wanted to join in.

"I was just sitting there watching.

"It was the best thing I've ever done."

It didn't take Rhys long to pick it up.

ALSO IN SPORT:

He has raced through the junior ranks at Albury Thunder and made his first grade debut against Wagga Kangaroos under coach Adrian Purtell this season.

Then he got the shock of his life by winning the Group 9 under-19 medal.

"I couldn't believe it," he said.

"I was pretty surprised as we only won two games.

"It was a big surprise."

Mitsch polled 38 votes to win the medal by two votes from Southcity youngster Latrell Siegwalt.

He then finished runner-up to good mate Jeremy Wiscombe in Thunder's best and fairest award last weekend.

While Mitsch's focus has been on rugby league in recent years, he's been no slouch at Australian football either.

He won the Hume league's under-17 best and fairest in 2017 and has had a taste of senior football with the Saints.

"I like both, but I probably enjoy league more because I like smashing people," he said.

"I'll try and play both next year.

"I'll do a pre-season for both and see how I go."

Purtell said Mitsch had plenty of upside to his game.

"He played a game in first grade this year and did really well for us," Purtell said.

"Rhys is a good, young player.

"He's got a lot of respect at the club."