SWANS HAPPY TO HEAD FOR A HUB, SAYS MILLS

SYDNEY defender Callum Mills says the Swans are well prepared to launch back into hub life again this year if it is what is required to keep the season running.

After clubs were forced into hubs during last year’s COVID-ravaged season, Mills said the Swans would be able to learn off the experience if the competition was faced with similar hurdles in 2021.

The AFL has already had to make adjustments to its preseason community series to help minimise interstate travel and movement ahead of round one.

AFL teams will play only one formal practice match now in early March. Mills said the Swans were not concerned about the prospect of hubs if they arose again.

“I guess you can work off your past experiences and we had a really good hub experience last time and if that is what is needed to run again next time we are happy to do that,” Mills said.

“You obviously learn from your mistakes and what you did right and wrong in the hub last year.

“If it comes to it, we are happy to do whatever we can to keep the game running.”

Mills said the injured key trio of Lance Franklin (hamstring), Isaac Heeney (ankle) and Tom Papley (knee) remained on modified programs, but continued to make progress. “They are all tracking really well,” Mills said.

“They were in the first couple of drills and they are tracking along in the right direction so we are really excited to get them back.”

After a season in which the Swans finished third-last with five wins for the year, Mills said the team was determined to put itself back in contention for the top eight.

“We make no mistake with our intentions of trying to get back into finals,” Mill said.

“We are in the business of winning and that’s what this sport is about and that’s what this club is about so we are keen to get back on the top as quick as we can.”