Sydney Swans coach John Longmire says Callum Mills will continue to transition towards becoming a fully-fledged midfielder, although conceded he will be required down back at times throughout the year.
The 23-year-old started his career as a half-back but has played the majority of the 2021 season to date in the midfield, averaging 24 touches from his two games so far.
Longmire said he always believed Mills would become a full time on-baller, but said the question always was how he’d be replaced in defence when he eventually made the move forward of the ball.
“We always knew he’d be a good midfielder,” he said on Sportsday.
“It was never about whether he’d be a good midfielder, it was about whether we’d be able to replace him down back.
“It was always the question; it wasn’t that we didn’t have belief that he’d be a good midfielder and all about how we could replace him down back.
“A couple of years we played him in the midfield and trained him there during pre-season and we had (a few injuries) and had to throw him back to defence.
“A player like Robbie Fox last year, he’s important in that (area). Tom McCartin has played a bit more footy back there and it's important to get some synergy in your back six.
“Obviously we lost Aliir Aliir so we’re still working through that to get it right, we always believed that (Callum Mills) could play as a quality mid.
“But he’ll go back at times as well and we know he could do that.”
The Swans are currently preparing for their toughest test of the season to date, facing off against Richmond at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.