No sophomore blues for Swan Mills in AFL

Mar 1, 2017 - 3:25 AM With the grand final heartbreak behind him, Sydney's reigning AFL Rising star Callum Mills has no fears about suffering the sophomore blues.

The second season can often be difficult for a young player, especially one who enjoyed such an outstanding debut campaign as Mills did.

But the early signs are good for Mills, who doesn't turn 20 until next month.

He was one of Sydney's best players in their first pre-season match against North Melbourne, displaying the pinpoint ball use that highlighted his maiden top-flight campaign.

On Wednesday, Mills, who spent last year excelling in an unfamiliar half back role, expressed no concerns about potential pitfalls in his second season.

"If you keep improving, I don't think that's an issue," Mills said.

"I've only had one year in the AFL and I've got so much more learning in front of me and so much more experience to gain."

A hamstring injury kept him out of two of Sydney's finals matches, but he returned in time for the grand final, but like many of the Swans was below his best in the season decider against Western Bulldogs.

"Last year it was really disappointing, to get so close and just lose is heartbreaking," Mills said.

"But we've put that behind us and we're moving forward to a new year and striving to go one better."

Mills has been one of the Swans tipped to spend more time in the midfield this season following the departure of ball magnet Tom Mitchell to Hawthorn.

He came to the club as a midfielder and while coach John Longmire hinted at Mills spending some time in that area this year, the player himself isn't fussed.

"Wherever Horse (Longmire) plays me, as long as I'm on the field I'm happy so it will be a week-by-week case," Mills said.

One of seven players blooded by Sydney last season, Mills was optimistic the new crop of Sydney draft picks would soon make their presence felt.

"I think all the draftees have come in really well, and they've put their best foot forward and I think they could all put their hand up for senior selection," he said.

"It's mainly for them just to really take the opportunity that's in front of them and learn from the older guys as much as you can.

"Because that's what all the boys did last year and it put us in good stead for the season, so hopefully they can do that and they've done it so far."

Source: AAP