The Warrnambool Seahawks forward has been pitted against smaller opposition in a more “perimeter-based” role in his first season under coach Tim Gainey.

Mitchell is expected to suit up as a starter in the Seahawks’ battle of the birds against Chelsea Gulls on Saturday.

“We’ve got a pretty young team this year outside a couple of our veterans and it’s good to have a little more responsibility as one of the older guys on the team,” he said.

“Tim has me playing a bit of a different position and I’m really enjoying being more of a perimeter player.

“I’ve been playing on smaller, quicker players and that means I have to be better defensively whereas previously, I’ve been playing against bigger guys and having to hold my weight.”

Mitchell’s Seahawks will back up on Sunday to complete a double-header against Collingwood All-Stars.

He said both matches were expected to be tough encounters.

“It’ll be a good chance to prove where we’re at against some good competition,” Mitchell said.