Sydney Swans midfielder Callum Mills impressed in Sydney’s season opening victory over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba as he made a smooth transition back into the midfield in round one.

Mills’ versatility, competitiveness and relentless approach were on show in Sydney’s season opener, finishing with two goals, 29 touches and three tackles.

The midfielder also polled full votes in the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year votes in Round One.

It was a smooth transition back into the midfield and Mills said he entered the clash with plenty of confidence and self-assurance.

“It was good fun and a challenge because we were up against a really good midfield but we rolled the sleeves up and managed to get the win which was nice,” Mills said on SEN (Monday March 22, 2021).

“Wherever the team needs me, but at the moment, we’ve (the midfield) been going well as a team during the pre-season as a midfield collective and we are keen to explore different options. The good thing now, is that I’ve done the work in defence so I can move back whenever we need, especially in game if there is an injury or anything like that.

“It’s just another string to the bow.

“I have been happy with how I have gone over the pre-season, being able to train most sessions, so I had the work under my belt.

“When you are learning off guys like Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and Dean Cox as your midfield coach, it makes things a lot easier.”

The Swans showed an up tempo style of play with plenty of efficient and direct natured ball movement that saw them finish with 23 inside 50s compared to Brisbane’s five.

Mills said the team showed plenty of composure and execution throughout the win.

“We have absolute belief in our system and the way we play. We are not here to play footy and give ourselves a pat on the back for having a crack, we want to go out there and win.

“We showed a real sense of confidence within the group of where we can go and I think supporters could see that at the end of last year of where we are going and how we going about things but we make no apologies of wanting to go into every game and wanting to win.

“Internally, we know what we are capable of and we want to play a system based game and we want to back that our game plan works, and that requires people going in and playing their role for the team.

“That’s what we got on the weekend and boys were rewarded for playing their role.

Mills was one of six QBE Sydney Swans Academy products that featured in Sydney’s opening clash.

Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Sam Wicks and debutants Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden all played key roles and Mills said the Academy had done wonders for their development.

“I think its super important for anyone in NSW and understands how competitive the sporting market is. It enables AFL to have a real footprint up here and its doing wonders, not only for the players playing AFL but even the quality of local football here,”

“People are just seeing the fruits of it in terms of players on the field and playing for the Swans but there is a lot of grunt work behind it.”

Sydney return to the SCG on Saturday March 27 for their round two clash against the Adelaide Crows. Click here to secure your seat at the footy.