There’s been plenty of speculation about who could step in for retiree Rhyce Shaw at half-back in season 2016.
Dane Rampe would seem a logical choice with his creativity and penetrating left-foot, while gradual improver Jeremy Laidler has put his hand up following a strong pre-season campaign.
But could there be an early season bolter?
First-year recruits Callum Mills and Tyrone Leonardis impressed playing at half-back in opposing teams during Friday night’s intra-club match, showing plenty of what Sydney Swans coach John Longmire described as “bounce” during the Swans v Swans encounter at Henson Park.
Possessing the qualities of a ready-made footballer, thanks largely to his upbringing in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, Mills lived up to the hype with a strong showing. His encouraging performance could increase Mills’ chances of earning a round one debut against Collingwood next month.
Where the 18-year-old will line up is still an ongoing discussion among the Swans’ coaching ranks, but all signs point to the back half given much of his pre-season has been devoted to fast-tracking the No. 14’s defensive qualities.
“(Mills) didn’t play there much as a kid, he’s always played in the midfield,” Longmire said.
“He’s been learning and doing a lot of work during the pre-season as a half-back, which has been good for his footy education.
“We like to teach those young kids, particularly good midfielder types, to play at half-back and run-with roles.”
Leonardis is another undertaking a football education, despite being recruited as a specialty offensive half-backman.
Hailing from the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup, the daring 18-year-old possesses a raking left-foot kick, which has already caught the attention of the coaches.
Longmire says Leonardis is a work in progress but early signs are good.
“Once again, when you lose Rhyce Shaw you need to get those players through with a bit of bounce and who can take the opposition on,” Longmire said.
“He’s certainly a kid that, in a few times (on Friday) showed that. He got tackled a few times but we don’t mind that.
“With the young kids, particularly this time of the year, we encourage them to keep trying it.”
