Football
30 July, 2024
Mills relishing captaincy role
For Patrick Mills, the 2024 season has been a coming out for him as a player. Not only did he co-captain the team with Doug Grining, but he also enjoyed a full season following many years of injury, most notably stress fractures in the spine.
The youngster has played in 13 games this season, been among the best players on 10 occasions, and kicked two goals.
While he has a broken hand and may not play again this season, Mills has had a successful season.
"I had a full pre-season this year, and I hadn't been able to do that in the last few years due to injuries and missing footy, but having that full pre-season has been good, and it's paying dividends on the field," Mills said.
Mills played his first full year of senior football last year after playing seven in 2022, which included the grand final loss to Rupanyup. Mills said getting captaincy in his second full year in senior footy was a big honour.
"It was definitely a pretty big honour, being named co-captain," Mills said.
"I have played all my footy here; I am a local and love the club, and to captain alongside Doug Grining has been great."
In 2023, he played halfback and midfield, and in 2024, he converted into a full-time midfielder. When asked about his strengths, Mills pointed out his skills and smarts.
"Doug has been dominant in the ruck and given us first use all year, and that has helped a lot, but definitely my smarts and skills also help as well," Mills said.
With the club suffering so many injuries this season and many younger players coming up, Mills has led by example and has encouraged many players.
"The ones coming in, you have to give them confidence and give them a licence to play their natural game," Mills said.
"They have earned their spot, and even though the injuries have been frustrating, everyone has come up, improved out of sight, and come a long way."
As for the future, Mills is hopeful of future success as a club.
"Team success would be ideal, and I will just keep giving 100%, working on every part of my game, and doing everything for the team. Hopefully, in the next few years, we can have success," Mills concluded.