North Melbourne selected Hugo Mikunda with its third and final pick in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft, at No.48 overall. 

Here are five things to know about the Bell Park product. 

1. He models his game on a champion Lion

For an idea on who Mikunda plays like, look to Brisbane Lion Zac Bailey. Mikunda has been following Bailey's progression for some time and models his game on the 2025 All-Australian forward-mid.

Like Bailey, Mikunda is an impact player who brings athleticism and forward punch. 

Despite coming off an injury-hampered pre-season, he was among the Geelong Falcons' best performers in the Coates Talent League this year. Playing a high half-forward role, he averaged 17 disposals including a season-high 30 against eventual premiers the Eastern Ranges.

2. He's versatile and can play through the midfield

At the Falcons, coach Paul Corrigan worked closely with Mikunda to develop the contested side of his game. It puts the young Roo in a strong position to play a variety of roles as he develops at Arden St. 

“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,” Corrigan told the Geelong Advertiser. 

"He has impact from an offensive point-of-view with ball in hand. It makes him a really impactful player.

"We worked hard … 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."

3. He's already got a connection at Arden St

Stress fractures delayed Mikunda's start to his draft season, and a hamstring injury forced him to miss the national combine. It was a frustrating period, but Mikunda was able to get back on track thanks to North Melbourne reconditioning coach and former Bulldog player Daniel Cross, with whom he shares a family connection.

Cross worked closely with Mikunda to help guide him through a rehab program and get him back on the track. Mikunda told Craft of the Draft the experience made him more resilient. 

"You hit little milestones like the first run back, and then first kick back, and all those put a bit of light at the end of the tunnel," he said.

"Since then, I feel like I've realised injuries aren't forever. They're just little setbacks, the path that shapes you."

4. He can cut it against bigger bodies

Mikunda had a taste of senior football at VFL level for Werribee this season. Playing a high half-forward role, he made an instant impact, tallying seven score involvements as well as 15 disposals.

It added to his belief that he can become a game-breaking addition to the Roos' talented brigade of mid-forwards.

“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 kind 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.”

5. He joins the ranks of keen Kangaroo fishermen

Like a handful of Kangaroos including Tristan Xerri and Toby Pink, Mikunda shares a love of the ocean and the great outdoors.

He got his boat licence as soon as he turned 12, and when his footy career is behind him he plans to become a nautical scientist.

"Whether it be the marine life underwater or the boating path, that’s a field I’m super passionate about and want to pursue down the track," he told the Geelong Advertiser.

Xerri and Pink can look forward to serious competition if they do take a fishing trip with their new teammate. Among Mikunda's best catches to date is an 18kg southern bluefin tuna caught in Barwon Heads.