Swans Mills takes out Rising Star award

Sydney’s Callum Mills is the AFL Rising Star for 2016.

Mills took out the prestigious award ahead of Western Bulldogs midfielder Caleb Daniel, with Carlton defender Jacob Weitering in third.

The 19-year-old featured in 20 games in his breakout season, playing an influential role across half-back where he averaged 19 possessions a match.

“I’m really humbled … there’s been some great names before me that have won this award,” Mills said.

“For me to win this award is something really special and I’ll really cherish it.

“It was an exciting day and the nerves got the better of me towards the end but it was good.”

Mills, a product of the Swans Academy, was selected third overall at the 2013 draft but endured an injury-interrupted start to his career before making his debut this season.

He played most of his junior football as a midfielder before making the transition to defence this year.

“I just did my homework as much as I could and learned from the people around me,” he said of the move.

“Being at the Swans, it’s such a great club and there’s a lot of resources around me that I can feed off. It’s pretty much spoon fed – all you have to do is open your mouth.”

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