An exciting batch of Sydney youngsters inspired a second-half turnaround at Giants Stadium on Saturday, with the midfield-bound Callum Mills the standout as the Swans fought back to record a draw against Greater Western Sydney.

Mills, who has been earmarked to shift into a midfield position this season, was prolific in his new onball role and found the footy at will in difficult wet conditions as the two sides tied 7.12 (54) to 8.6 (54) in the behind-closed-doors practice match.

The former No.3 pick worked well in tandem with fellow Academy graduate Nick Blakey, who spent the majority of the match on a wing and assisted a number of scoring opportunities with his class in possession.

James Bell, who featured eight times at senior level last season, also spent large periods playing higher up the field and was another to find the footy frequently to complement two nice goals when he drifted forward.

Ollie Florent, Chad Warner, James Rowbottom and last year's No.32 selection Errol Gulden also enjoyed impressive midfield stints, as the Swans overcame a 21-point half-time deficit to ultimately tie the game.

The two sides will do battle again in eight days' time at Giants Stadium in the AAMI Community Series.

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Practice Match: Swans v Giants - All the goals

Watch all the Sydney Swans goals from the practice match against the GWS Giants

The standout

It's time to get excited about Callum Mills. Drafted as a midfielder at pick No.3 through the Swans Academy, Mills has spent his first five seasons at AFL level playing – and excelling – as a defender. However, finally expected to return to the midfield this year, Mills displayed his attributes on Saturday. He had the ball on a string in the game's early stages, winning a handful of disposals in the opening seconds – including the first centre clearance of the match – while his physicality and tackling strength were also features of his performance. Look out for Mills the midfielder in season 2021.

Young guns

The standout was Swans Academy graduate Errol Gulden, who helped drag his side back into the game with a flurry of nice moments in the third term. A smart kick into space that resulted in Tom Papley's second goal, which drew the sides level, was the pick of the action. Last year's No.4 pick Logan McDonald was quiet, but the rain meant key forwards were destined to find it difficult, although an inspiring chase down tackle led to a Sam Reid goal in the final quarter. Braeden Campbell, taken at pick No.5 last year, also showed moments of quality across half-back.