Callum Mills made a seamless transition into the Swans midfield in 2021 and if his blistering campaign is any indication of his potential, it's fair to say he has found himself a new home for years to come. 

Having been a key cog in the Swans defensive unit since his debut in 2016, Mills made an immediate impact in a midfield that already boasts the likes of co-captains Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy. 

In Round 1, Mills recorded 29 disposals and two goals in the club's emphatic win over Brisbane Lions - an early sign that he would thrive as an on-baller with his elite decision-making and wealth of self-confidence. 

Reflecting on the year that was, Mills was most proud of the team's stunning rise from 16th to sixth within a 12-month period and is anticipating better things to come in the near-future.

"I think this year was a success. Obviously losing to the Giants hurt but the way we were being able to transition from a five-win year in 2020 to being able to make finals," he said.

"Losing to the Giants hurt but I think it was a real step in the right direction.

"The confidence is sky high and that's why it hurts so much against Giants because everyone knew we weren't done, but that's the reality of football.

"Football doesn't really care about your story - it's one of those harsh realities. 

"But we will be back - the boys have full confidence that we will be back and I think there is a really, really special group here and I hope we keep going upwards, and I think we will."

In a common theme amongst the playing group this season, Mills praised the character of the playing group for their resilience throughout a turbulent 2021 campaign. 

He spoke of the hub experience, which gave the players a chance to live with each other 24/7, as a major silver lining that helped build a united team camaraderie.

"Being in the hub, we had obviously been thrown different challenges but the way the team rallied together and obviously the families coming in - you have a special bond that you wouldn't have in any other circumstance," he said.

"We took it in our stride and I was really grateful for the opportunity."

Mills had countless starring performances in 2021 but highlighted the team's season-defining victory over defending premiers Richmond has the highlight.

It was the Bloods third consecutive win to start the year and one that Mills says set the benchmark for a youthful red and white outfit.

"The Richmond game was a really special moment because they were the defending premiers and we are a really young group but we were just bullish," he said.

"We came out to the MCG and really attacked them. That game gave not only us a lot of confidence but those back home that we were a good football side and could challenge the best."

Mills was arguably one of the Swans most consistent performers, finishing the season averaging 27.5 disposals, five tackles, 4.7 clearances, and four inside 50s per game.

Although his season was cut short due to injury, and was a glaring absence from the Swans loss in the Elimination Final, the sky is the limit for the 24-year-old as he looks to ahead to the 2022 season.