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Sydney’s Callum Mills named AFL rising star

Callum Mills earned his rising star nomination in round 16.

Callum Mills earned his rising star nomination in round 16. Photo: Getty

Sydney Swans defender Callum Mills has won the AFL’s Rising Star award for 2016.

Mills polled 49 votes in the count to beat Caleb Daniel from the Western Bulldogs (41 votes), with Carlton’s Jacob Weitering (26 votes) finishing third.

Mills did not receive a nomination for the Rising Star award until round 16 but racked up plenty of possessions in his 20 AFL games, going into the count as hot favourite.

Nine out of the 10 Rising Star judges gave their top vote to Mills, who is the first New South Welshman to win the award.

“It’s been a surreal year so far, but the exciting thing is we’re still going and hopefully we can go deep into September,” Mills said.

The 19-year-old was a product of the Sydney Swans academy before being selected at number three in last year’s national draft.

He made his debut in round one and only missed two games through the season.

“To come to a successful club and one that I grew up supporting is a dream come true,” Mills said.

Mills is the third Swan to have been named the AFL’s rising star in the award’s 23 years.

Mills was one of two Swans nominated for the Rising Star award, alongside Tom Papley, while Melbourne had four players in the running.

Fremantle recruit Lachie Weller was the only player from this year’s pool of nominees to play every game.

The smallest player in the AFL, Daniel became an integral part of the Bulldogs’ midfield this year after playing 10 games in 2015.

Even without his headgear, Caleb Daniel quickly became a fan favourite.

Even without his headgear, Caleb Daniel quickly became a fan favourite. Photo: Getty

-ABC

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