Think about this.
You’ve just been drafted by the Sydney Swans, with the third pick overall and the expectations that come with.
It’s day one of pre-season. You’re familiar with the SCG but, instead of being an academy member, you’re AFL career starts now.
They encourage you to pick a teammate to follow, learn from, for guidance and – as they say – follow in their footsteps.
Who’d be your choice?
Why not go straight to the top? With a bevy of leaders to choose from, why not one of the most senior? Why not a 278-gamer, premiership captain and one of the most respected players to ever pull on the red and white?
That’s exactly what Callum Mills did from day dot, going out of his way to beeline towards co-captain Jarrad McVeigh.
Throughout the pre-season and the regular season to date, McVeigh has been there for Mills every step of the way. He’s offered everything from on-field guidance to advice about handling the pressures and demands of AFL football.
On the back of his outstanding performance against Geelong, which ultimately earned him a well-deserved nomination for this year’s AFL Rising Star Award, Mills says McVeigh has had an invaluable impact not only on his football but personal development.
“I have had a lot of great leaders in that back half that I’ve been able to learn from and really pick their brain,” he said.
“They’ve been teaching me the way, I just want to keep learning and growing as a player.
“Jarrad has been my mentor – he’s been super.
“I just try to follow his example. We play a similar position so he’s been extremely helpful and (his guidance) is something I can use going forward.”
Mills has been outstanding this season, averaging 18 disposals all the while slotting seamlessly in the Sydney Swans’ defence alongside his mentor.
His ability to play taller than his 186cm stature and compete beyond his weight division – as seen on Friday night when Mills wrapped up 108kg Tom Hawkins in a perfect tackle – has been strong attributes of his game.
The 19-year-old’s courage has also been on show in his 14 games, never hesitating to fly for a mark or put his head over the football regardless of who’s coming the other way.
His 23 possessions in the 38-point win against Geelong on Friday night, which included kicking his first goal, equalled his season-best figures and was just another sign of the young defender’s rapid rise.
Despite his individual achievements this season, Mills is putting team success in front of his own with seven rounds remaining in a season already filled with unforgettable moments.
“The season is only halfway done. There’s still plenty more footy to come,” he said when asked whether he’s exceeded his own expectations.
“I just hope I can have an even bigger impact on the team in the second half of the season and come finals time.”
Mills is the second Swan to be nominated for the coveted award, following the lead of Tom Papley who was given the rising star nod in Round 5.
