Many are familiar with the story of how Callum Mills was introduced to the game of Australian Rules. And aren't we thankful he was as tonight he prepares to play his 150th game for the club and is inducted as a life-member of the Sydney Swans football club.
An up-and-coming northern Sydney rugby union star as a child, many wouldn't foresee during those rugby days that the now 25-year old would have played 150 AFL games, win the 2016 AFL Rising Star Award and last season be named as co-captain alongside Dane Rampe and Luke Parker.
Mills grew up playing rugby union for Waringah's underage representative team and won three consecutive state championships from 2008-2010. He had grown up in rugby heartland and had not touched a Sherrin until one day one of his mate's, Ollie, needed a few fill ins for his Mosman Swans AFL team.
The coach of that Mosman team (and Ollie's father) happened to be current Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham who, like most parents when their child's team is short a few players, did a ring around for some replacements. Much to his delight he had some luck at the Mills residence and looking back now, what an important phone conversation it was.
Mills had already played a game of rugby on the Mosman Swans game day but showed no signs of fatigue and he did more than impress in his Australian Rules debut.
The young-blonde haired kid from the North Shore received so much positive feedback, that the one-off game became the start of a code switch and the beginning of his AFL journey.
Mills went on to excel at junior level through the Mossman Swans ranks and NSW/ACT state representation level and caught the attention of the North Shore Bombers at just 14-years of age and as a 16-year old made his senior debut, notching up 40 touches in the process.
While making a bit of noise in the local Sydney competitions, he also caught the eye of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy - a crucial part of the talent pathway for young athletes in NSW.
Mills has said on the record on multiple occasions that if it wasn't for the QBE Swans Academy program, he wouldn't be playing AFL. On Saturday night he follows in the footsteps of teammate and fellow Academy graduate Isaac Heeney to play 150 games.
“What they have done, in terms of luring kids in Sydney that play other sports to come into AFL has been the biggest thing they have been able to do and I’m so proud of the program,” Mills said.
Former Head of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy Chris Smith was involved in the early years of Mills development and he said his leadership qualities were visible from a young age.
“Callum has always displayed a strong leadership skillset,” Smith said.
“As a junior in the Academy he set the standard with effort, discipline and professionalism. Most importantly though he cares about those around him which is a really important characteristic for a leader.”
Only this week, John Longmire told The Daily Telegraph about the immediate impact Mills had made from the moment he walked into the club.
“I remember him coming into my office and asking questions about our game plan,” Longmire said.
“He walked out, and I walked into Tom Harley’s office and said, ‘This kid will captain the footy club one day’.
“He just had it written all over him and he was just such a massive competitor. And he’s been everything and more since he’s come through the system.”
Fast forward eight years since Mills’ QBE Academy graduation, add in 149 AFL games, the 2016 AFL Rising Star Award, AFLPA Best First Year Player, All-Australian selection, a Bob Skilton Medal and two grand final appearances, Mills will go down in history as one of the club's great players, and he still has many years ahead of him.
Last season Mills took the place of Josh Kennedy who at the time said it was time to pass the baton. Kennedy declared to coach John Longmire last season that “Millsy was ready”.
Kennedy’s sentiments were echoed by Mills’ fellow co-captains Luke Parker and Dane Rampe who both believed that Mills was destined to lead the Bloods since his arrival at the club.
“From when he first got here, it always looked like a stepping stone to be in the position he is in now,” Parker said.
“He was ready and adds the hard edge to our group, he gets the balance right of driving standards and comforting people and he leads by example. He is ruthless out on the field and we know how hard he works.”
“What doesn’t he bring?” Rampe added.
“He has basically been the full package from when he stepped in and it’s really exciting he is now in this position. Some people were meant to be in that role and he is certainly one of them. What you see is what you get with Millsy – a tough uncompromising player and he challenges us and he cares.”
