After setting a strong foundation during his first two years in the AFL, defender Callum Mills knows the importance of continuing to improve in 2018.

The 20-year-old will enter his third season of football with 46 games under his belt, a standard matched by few his age.

Mills has made himself a consistent member of one of the best defensive units in the competition, averaging 18 disposals and five marks a game.

“Obviously it gets tougher and tougher the more you play but I really enjoyed it,” he told Radio Sport National on Wednesday.

“I learnt plenty of things (during year two), which was the main thing, but now that is behind me I am really looking forward to year three.

“Time flies pretty fast actually.”

The young defender stood up to physical pressure cast his way throughout the 2017 season as he became a key playmaker out of defence for the Swans.

Mills was not concerned by the attention and is not fazed about what could come his way next season.

“It helps that we have superstars all through the back line which is pretty handy for myself,” he said.

“I will play my role in the team and whatever happens throughout the year happens – I’m just looking forward to playing footy.”

One player who has helped guide Mills along the journey is experienced defender Jarrad McVeigh. The veteran had a delayed start to the season in 2017, with his return in May being welcomed by Mills and his teammates.

“He (McVeigh) is mentally strong as you can tell, to reinvigorate yourself the way he did through the mid part of the year is no surprise to anyone at the club,” Mills said.

“It goes to show how good a player he is and how good a leader he is.

“He is someone I have learnt a lot of things from and I will continue to do that this year.”