Despite less than ideal preparation, Callum Mills is ready to take the field in game 100. Photo: @sydneyswans on Twitter.
Callum Mills’ 100th AFL game on Saturday night against Melbourne has not had an ideal preparation, but he is still ready to take the field.
With Sydney having to rush out of New South Wales to avoid being caught up in a recent COVID scare, it has arrived in Melbourne early ahead of the MCG clash with the Demons.
Mills said having moved down early to ensure they can focus and prepare for the match without worrying about the ongoing situation has been ideal.
“The fact that we’ve moved down, like yesterday, gives us a couple of days ahead of the game,” he said.
“We were going to have to fly-in fly out anyway. We’ve got a couple of days to process it which is nice.”
Outside of COVID issues, Mills had time to reflect on his milestone.
When asked about some of the memorable moments of his career, he didn’t have to look too far back to find that left a lasting impression.
“Last week against Geelong was nice,” he laughed.
“I love playing for this club, and I’ve loved the journey so far.”
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The QBE Sydney Swans Academy was in the headlines early in the season over the access it provides the Swans to high quality talent.
Mills, an academy graduate himself, spoke about his experience that led him to the position he is in today.
“I’m not sure what sport I’d be playing without the academy to be honest,” he said.
“What they’ve done to lure kids away from other sports, to come into the AFL, is the biggest thing they’ve been able to do.
“I’m so glad I was part of the program.”
A much-touted move to the midfield eventuated this season for Mills, and he spoke about what he described as ‘the evolution of the team’ that led to his new role on the ground.
“I always had a plan of one day, playing a bit more midfield time,” he said.
“I’m just playing my role this year, which is playing midfield, and I’m really enjoying it.”
After seven rounds, Sydney sits in fourth place on the ladder with a five win and two loss record.
Mills still isn’t buying into any talk about finals.
“It’s cliché, and I hate to say this, but we’re just focusing on the block ahead of us,” he said.
“[We’re] trying to be consistent, because that’s what the best teams do, they’re consistent, and when they drop away, their drop isn’t that far.”
Mills and Sydney will have a chance to continue with the consistency when they take on Melbourne on Saturday night.
The undefeated Demons are sitting pretty on top of the ladder, and Mills spoke about the challenge the Swans face.
“They’re on top in a lot of key stats,” he said.
“We’re really looking forward to it, they’ve got a lot of dangerous players that we need to nullify and hopefully put our imprint on the game.”
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