Mills determined to overcome injuries
Sydney young gun Cal Mills is almost certain to be a top ten Draft pick. (Photo by Michael Dodge/AFL Media)
Highly rated inside midfielder Callum Mills has had to sit on the sidelines more than he would like as injuries have plagued his 2015 season.
The Sydney Swans Academy star has been held up by injuries for the majority of season 2015 with a stress reaction in his left shin causing him to miss the 2015 NAB AFL national championships.
He was also forced out of the 2015 NAB AFL Draft Combine with a Hamstring injury.
Although the North Shore product was overwhelmed with injuries in 2015, his positive attitude towards overcoming his injuries is a testament to the young mans character.
“Injuries are something that you’ve got to overcome and be resilient about and I think the best thing is to look forward and move on and hopefully these things you know how to handle them in the future,” said Mills.
The 188cm midfielder’s qualities have already been on show as the competitive, hard-nosed ball-winner caught eyes last year, gaining all Australian honours as a bottom-age player.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 10: Callum Mills poses for a portrait during day 2 of the 2015 NAB AFL Draft Combine at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne on October 10, 2015. (Photo: Adam Trafford/AFL Media)
Mills looks to follow in the footsteps of good friend Isaac Heeney. Mills, a member of the Swans academy has become close with Heeney after both switching codes at the age of thirteen.
“Yeah I think Isaac’s has had a great year and we’ve been close mates since we first met each other through the academy and I’d definitely love to follow in his footsteps.
“I think there’d be nothing better than wearing the red and white jersey next to him.”
Raised on Sydney’s northern beaches Mills grew up playing Rugby League. Convinced by a friend of his father to fill in for the Mosman Swans juniors, the youngster didn’t have to wait long for an invitation to the Swans Academy. It arrived after his second game.
“I was filling in for a mate’s team and they told me I was quite good so when you’re 13 years old you want to come back after that.
“I played a couple games and then was linked to the swans academy.”
The Swans will get first access to the inside midfielder and the club looks certain to match any rival club’s bid to secure the youngtster most rate as the premier onballer of this year’s draft crop.
