Wayde Mills [Archive] - Australian Rules Football Forum

charles202

16 Jan 2007, 06:53

This is a bit of a bio that I put together on Wayde during my lunch breaks at work. I hope that all the info is correct, if not oops.

Draft Details (Borrowed (ie ripped off) from Footy Draft)

Details:
Club: Southport
DOB: 29 August 1987 Hgt: 196cm Wgt: 88kg
Position: Centre Half Back
Natural Foot: Right
Honours:
Queensland U18 2005 - captain
All Australian Under 18 – interchange
AFL Draft Camp 2005
TAC Stats:
2005 U18 National Championships: 3 games, 1 goal, average 12.7 PPG, average 6.0 MPG
Draft Camp:
Height: 195.1cm (10th)
3km run: 10:12 (3rd)
Vertical Jump: 70cm (equal 2nd)
Beep Test: 14.3 (9th)
Strengths:
- Reads the ball exceptionally well across half back for marking and close wearing of his opponent
- Size is perfect for an AFL centre half back
- Bang and crash/courage
- Draft camp results
- Leadership ability
- Senior footy for Southport this season in defense
Weaknesses:
- Occasionally a strange kicking action

Selected round 2, pick 25, of the 200 National Draft

Footydraft.com comment:
Potential AFL centre half back who appears a strong draft chance. A club desperate for a key backman might bite early.

Rookie Year

Direct Opponent
K
H
P
M
HO
T
FF
FA
G
B
Essendon (http://bombersfc.com.au/)
Lucas
8
6
14
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
St Kilda (http://saints.com.au/)
Riewoldt
8
1
9
2
0
2
0
0
0
0
Richmond (http://richmondfc.com.au/)
Stafford
4
3
7
4
0
1
1
0
0
0
West Coast Eagles (http://westcoasteagles.com.au/)
Can’t Recall
12
6
18
12
0
0
0
2
0
0

Spent the majority of the year in the seconds however was called up for rounds two to five. Played on some big name opponents and while at times had a tendency to loose track of his man (not the first or last to do so while looking at the quality of those opponents), acquitted himself well and did not shy away from the body contact.

(Unfortunately I didn’t get down to see any of the suncoast lions game last season so I cant comment on his form there, if anyone wants to jump in on that it would be greatly appreciated)

The year in the reserves should have helped him in his defensive positioning. It seemed to be a case of confusion rather than lack of physical tools that resulted in the losing contact of his man.

The Future

With the retirement of Leppa and the defection of Mal, there is a giant hole down the spine of the Lions defense heading into 2007. One of the likely candidates to fill either the FB or CHB positions is Mills.

Mills has all the physical tools that you look for in a modern day CHB speed, endurance and vertical leap. Along with these physical attributes Mills posses the intangible qualities that can’t be taught in a player, dedication, toughness and leadership.

Preseason will show a lot of what the coaching staff is thinking in respect of the FB and CHB positions. It would seem that Merret has the inside track on the FB spot, which leaves Mills battling it out with the likes of Roe, Notting, Brennan and Bradshaw for the CHB position. Each candidate brings something slightly different to the table. However, in my mind Mills is that man to beat a this stage.

It would not come as a shock in the first game of pre-season to see Mills manning the CHB position. If Mills is able to hold the position down for the duration the undoubted short term pains may well be rewarded with some much needed stability down back for a decade.

I am looking forward to the intra-club match aswell as the NAB cup to see where the coaching staff rates players for each position. I would love to see Mills match up on Brown and Braddy to see how much he has improved!

John

16 Jan 2007, 07:06

I caught him in a few ressies games and felt that he aquited himself well. Always one of the Suncoast Lions top 5 players. I think he struggled near the end of the season when the injury toll on the seniors took it's toll and the ressies had to play many youngsters. It was always going to be hard on him when the ball was coming into opposition forwards from all directions.

lion_gooner

16 Jan 2007, 17:35

if he can stay injury free and puts on a bit of muscle he will be a very good player and can hopefully hold down c.h.b this coming season

charles202

16 Mar 2007, 15:03

Mills has been dropped for the GF with the Blues for Saturday night.

From lions.com.au 16/03/2007
"Other omissions from that squad are second year defender Wayde Mills and 2006 draftees James Hawksley and Chris Schmidt. "

Leigh has said that he will be playing the best 22 for the game, despite playing the last 3 pre-season games it appears that Mills has not done enough to impress the coach.

It would appear that Roe and Bradsahw has surpassed Mills as favoured defenders in teh backline whilst Patfull and Tyler provided the flexibiltiy to play both up forward and back.

The question of where to now for Millsy.

It will be up to Mills to work his but off in the two's, i would like to see him play for a stint up forward and even through the middle to work on his disposal.

A year of conditioning will help with the physicality of the AFL but none of that will help unless he begins to read the play better and make better descisons.

I still think that Mills can be the answer at CHB as he posseses some excellent qualities for the position. How he responds to the demotion will speak alot for his charctar and work ethic, i think he will pass both those tests with flying colours.

TheBrownDog

9 Apr 2007, 19:23

Kochie 16

9 Apr 2007, 19:24

Wayde was dissapointing in the NAB Cup, but he more than made up for those 'woeful' performances on Thursday.

NUMBER1LIONSMAN

9 Apr 2007, 19:29

Wayde was dissapointing in the NAB Cup, but he more than made up for those 'woeful' performances on Thursday.
Woeful? WTF? :rolleyes: :confused: Could you do any better?

Kochie 16

9 Apr 2007, 19:32

Woeful? WTF? :rolleyes: :confused: Could you do any better?
No, but that is not the point. He was very Clumbsy in the NAB Cup, GIving away far too many free kicks and not spoiling the ball oppotunities enough. Anyway, He showed a far better performance Vs. the Saints.

Quigley

9 Apr 2007, 22:05

What are people's perceptions on Wayde thus far?

A few weeks ago, I was really wondering if he was going to make it. Looked very out of his depth against most opposition forwards, but I saw alot of promise on Thursday night.

Was finally given a role that let him use his endurance and he ran Goddard out of the game, and managed to get a bit of the pill at the same time.
He tagged Goddard out of the game against the Saint and definately showed that he can come in and do a job for Leigh. That type of performance is going to get him a few more games before the year is out. He ran and spoiled very effectively to the extent that Goddard lost his cool on a couple of occasions. Defensively I don't think you could have asked more of him than he delivered on Thursday. What was interesting for me was that he matched up so well on a smaller player and supposedly elite runner. He went with him showed good agility and held composure all game. It would be interesting to see him get a run against the likes of Goodes and Reiwoldt in a similar type of role. If he can repeat the performance from Thurs regularly then he is another weapon that Leigh can use when the circumstances warrant it.

Offensively he is still a bit of a worry. He seemed to get flustered with the ball on a couple of occasions and did not take the best option and his kicking style has to rival Merrett's as the worst on the team. Hopefully he can iron that out with some intensive work. When he followed Goddard down into the forward line he did a few nice 1%ers that created for those around him which was good to see.

All in all some positive signs for Alice.

BigCat2

9 Apr 2007, 23:58

Interesting comment about Mills playing well on a smaller player. For a guy who is supposedly 196?cm, he doesn't look very tall at all. Remember Charman is 197cm. On the field, I'd have him as 190-191cm just going by sight.

Whereas blokes like Chris Scott look taller than his 182cm.

TheBrownDog

10 Apr 2007, 00:03

BigCat2

10 Apr 2007, 00:17

Mills hunches over quite a bit I've noticed.

Does he straighten his back in a contest? Contests happen pretty quick so I can't say for sure whether he does or not.

What would be the use of height if you don't use it?

charles202

10 Apr 2007, 07:56

I was wrapped about Millsy's performance on Thursday, he really does fantastic endurance for a big guy.

If he is picked agian this week i would love to see him matched up on Kennelly. The Swans like to use tad on the bakcline to setup a lot of their play, i really think that Millsy can disrupt that as he has the run to go with tad and the size to outmark him.

The worry of that plan is that we become a little top heavy, especially if Charman returns this week, i wouldnt like to see Patfull dropped because i think that he had a great game last week, but he would be the obvious choice.

Grimreepah

12 Apr 2007, 11:41

Link (http://www.gcbulletin.com.au/article/2007/04/12/4437_sports.html)

No rest for Mills as he defends with pride

Nick Smart
12Apr07
FORMER Southport Sharks premiership player Wayde Mills is not in the Brisbane Lions best 22.
That is not a harsh observation, but an admission from the man himself.
The emerging defender knows he has a steep hill to climb if he is to cement himself in the Brisbane backline. Daniel Merrett and Jason Roe have been revelations down back in the wake of Justin Leppitsch and Mal Michael's departure last season.
Jed Adock and Jared Brennan are also performing well in defence, which makes it even tougher.
But Mills pushed his case with a sensational performance in last Thursday's big win over the Saints at the Gabba. A late inclusion for the injured Jason Roe, Mills did not disappoint in his first senior outing since Round 5 last year.
In a performance that earned praise from coach Leigh Matthews, the Lennox Head product shut down the Saints' former No.1 draft pick Brendan Goddard. But the 19-year-old is not getting ahead of himself, and knows he will have to work hard to cement his spot in the side.
"I am definitely out of the 22 at the moment. Sometimes that (injury to teammate) is the only way you can get an opportunity," he said. "Obviously you don't wish it on your mates but sometimes it is all you can do."
Mills said it was crucial he made the most of his opportunities when they presented, which is exactly what he did against St Kilda.
The Lions are flying early and, unlike last year, the competition to get into the side has not been greater for a long time.
"We've got probably a group of eight that can play defence, and the group probably won't change much all year," said Mills.
"I am probably not in that group at the moment. It is competitive to get a spot but they are still your mates, and it is not like you are wishing an injury on someone else."
Mills has created a selection dilemma for Matthews. His performance last week warrants another senior match, but he may be the unlucky one dropped if Roe returns to the side to face Sydney at the SCG on Sunday.
But Matthews said Roe, who is battling a hamstring injury, was unlikely to play, which means Mills is likely to get another chance.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1810/millssg8.jpg

xplo

12 Apr 2007, 13:38

Nice article, Nick.

You really expect Hadley to come into calculations this week though? He's missed a lot of footy. Would have thought another two weeks at Suncoast was a reasonable bet -- particularly with no obvious guy to drop.

NICK THE PIE MAN

12 Apr 2007, 23:14

Nice article, Nick.

Thanks mate...

Grimreepah

16 Jul 2007, 14:46

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4194/millsao3.jpg

Wayde Mills - originally pigeonholed as a defender, is starting to show some promise as a target at half forward.

Grimreepah

22 Jul 2007, 20:44

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/988/millsuz3.jpg

Wayde Mills would have to have the lowest kick to handball ratio in league footy. In the last 3 games he's had 10 kicks and 22 handballs.

ZoBlitz

23 Jul 2007, 12:58

Wayde Mills would have to have the lowest kick to handball ratio in league footy. In the last 3 games he's had 10 kicks and 22 handballs.

Well he knows his strengths (or weaknesses).

Grimreepah

25 Jul 2007, 12:18

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=47885)

WAYDE Mills has been nominated for Mark of the Year for his impressive leap over Carlton’s Setanta O’hAilpin on Sunday afternoon.

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5761/millszp7.jpg

xplo

26 Jul 2007, 14:49

Well he knows his strengths (or weaknesses).

Sometimes I think he's a little overly aware of them -- he must hear people talking about his kicking and probably over-compensates a little.

I'm hoping that big mark might be a bit of a turning point for him. He's conservative and professional by nature and tends not to take risks -- not a bad thing in a natural backman -- but he would probably benefit from a touch of confidence to really take 'em on -- a tincture of JBizzy lair. A hanger like that might just be enough to pump up his tyres a bit.

Grimreepah

4 Aug 2007, 22:14

Well done to Wayde kicking his first goal in league footy... and his second. In a low scoring game it was quite an important contribution. He seemed pretty fired up, which I think is great to see.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2559/millsdg9.jpg

BigCat2

4 Aug 2007, 22:20

Was pleased with his performance tonight, his contested marking a feature. There was particularly one when he seemed to stretch himself to 5m tall to take a ball directly above his head.

notting18

5 Aug 2007, 00:25

Tonight was probably his most impressive performance up forward IMO, he seemed to thrive a little once he kicked that goal and got that weight off his shoulders.

Grimreepah

6 Aug 2007, 12:25

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=48652)

Mills flies under radar to make his mark

11:34 AM Mon 6 August, 2007
By Simon White
for lions.com.au

CASUAL observers might wager on either Jonathan Brown or Jared Brennan to take the best mark by a Brisbane Lions player in 2007.
After all, Brown, a past winner of the AFL Mark of the Year, regularly gets the fans gasping by fearlessly throwing himself back with the flight of ball. And spring-heeled Brennan has long promised to launch himself on an opponent’s shoulder and snatch one from the clouds.

But those watching the Brisbane Lions demolish Carlton a fortnight ago probably reckoned the most spectacular grab so far this season was taken by defender-turned-forward Wayde Mills.

Mills earned a Toyota AFL Mark of the Week nomination with his ride on the shoulders of the Blues’ Irishman, Setanta O’hAilpin, and he was again in the spotlight in Saturday night’s 37-point win over the Kangaroos at the Gabba.

The 19-year-old’s six marks included an excellent pack mark in the third quarter, and he managed to kick the first two goals of his AFL career – including the Lions’ opener.
”It’s always good to get the first one on board – it was about time I kicked one,” a happy Mills said after the match.

”My role doesn’t give me that many shots, but I suppose I hadn’t been taking my chances either.

”Form probably shows I’m not really that confident [kicking for goal]. But I wasn’t too worried about it. If I’m in range, I’m going to have a shot.”

Mills, the No.25 pick of the 2005 National Draft, has become an integral part of the Lions’ forward line after being called up to senior action for the Round 14 clash with the West Coast Eagles.

The Lions haven’t lost a match since, and in his post-match media conference on Saturday night coach Leigh Matthews praised his young charge’s efforts.

”He [Mills] kicked two important goals,” Matthews said.

”When we had shots early on and missed, someone had to kick one and release the pressure. Millsy was the one who actually went and kicked the 45-metre goal.

”The pressure he and Robbie Copeland and Jared Brennan are putting on the opposition complements Jonathan [Brown], who is always likely to have the most shots at goal.”

Copeland and the 195cm Mills, as converted defenders, are playing slightly unorthodox forward roles, in that they are expected to defend as much – and occasionally more – than they are required to pose a goalkicking threat.

Mills, in particular, has been pushing up the ground to offer a leading target and link up with the Lions’ midfield, using the “motor” that allowed him to play much of his junior career in the midfield.

He admits his move into the forward 50 metres at AFL level came as a surprise, but he is determined to make the most of his opportunities in a senior team that has muscled its way into the top eight with five consecutive wins.

”There’s always a feel you can make [the finals] until you lose more than 11 games, but I guess we were a pretty long shot six weeks ago,” Mills said.

”Now we’ve got our destiny in our hands. We’ve put ourselves in a position where we can make the finals. Hopefully we can go on with it.”

http://i14.tinypic.com/4ut7vr7.jpg

LuckyLuke

6 Aug 2007, 15:12

I gotta say, i'm starting to become a fan of the way this guy plays. Very positive signs from the 19 y.o.

ZoBlitz

6 Aug 2007, 16:50

Works hard and keeps trying. If he can chip in with one or two goals a week he'd become a very important player in the side.

Grimreepah

7 Aug 2007, 13:27

Link (http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2007/08/07/1325_gold-coast-sport.html)

Mills rise a boon for Lions

07Aug07

WHOEVER CAME up with the idea of trying former Ballina boy Wayde Mills in attack at the Lions deserves a pay rise.
About six weeks ago, specialist defenders Mills and Rob Copeland were in Brisbane's reserves, the Suncoast Lions, and were posted up forward for an AFLQ game.
The result has been an outstanding winner for the Lions, who now have several attacking options rather than simply relying on Jonathan Brown.
They now have Brown, Jared Brennan, Copeland and Mills kicking goals, although for Mills it took until Saturday night at the Gabba to post his first AFL major.
"It's funny how things go in footy," said Mills who, we believe, had such a poor kicking action that coaching staff once ordered him to handball only.
"It (his forward station) came out of the blue. We both played that defensive sort of forward role in the reserves and the next week we were both in seniors. I think the idea was to get another option away from Jonathan Brown.
"He was getting double and triple-tagged and our forward structure was not working. We wanted more one-on-ones for Browne."
Mills and Copeland were reinstated to Brisbane's AFL side for the match against West Coast in round 14, and the Lions have since won five on the trot.
And what about the reaction of Mills when he kicked the first goal of the match on Saturday night?
"I was pumped up and it was a big relief because it took me a while to get that one," said the Coolangatta junior product and former Southport player.

Grimreepah

11 Aug 2007, 18:15

TheBrownDog

11 Aug 2007, 18:18

Has been playing well, but he needs to keep doing so to keep Clark out of the team. I know he is a defensive forward, but he needs to offer something in attack to hold his spot, and 4 possessions isn't going to cut it.

Agreed Grim.

I imagine Clark will come under serious consideration. Mitch will be expected to lay on the defensive pressure though too.

Quigley

11 Aug 2007, 18:49

Grimreepah

11 Aug 2007, 18:58

I was surprised that he wasn't give a chance in defence today. With the others not performing and him not being effective up front I thought it was a good opportunity to see how he would go against a forward line on fire.

A question of pace I think. If Franklin/Roughead/Boyle are too quick for Merrett/Patfull/Roe, they are probably going to be too quick for Mills as well.

Quigley

11 Aug 2007, 19:07

Grimreepah

11 Aug 2007, 19:16

Patfull was getting towelled up I thought it would have been worth a chance. The other option was to drop a lose man in defence into the whole which again we didn't do. I get the feeling that Leigh used the game as a learning experience.

Hawthorn were getting great delivery, so dropping Mills back as a loose man may have been an option. The problem is he isn't the guy you want with the ball in his hands.

Also I'm not a fan of having both Mills and Merrett in the backline. The lack of skills IMO is just too hard to cover.

notting18

11 Aug 2007, 19:29

Patfull was getting towelled up I thought it would have been worth a chance. The other option was to drop a lose man in defence into the whole which again we didn't do. I get the feeling that Leigh used the game as a learning experience.
I doubt that last comment Quigs - i think Leigh tried to rely on the fact that we had played a certain type of football well for 4/5 weeks and there is not much you can do from the coach's box to save a 1/2 of football.

Mills is a player who was never dominating in our wins. Although he was certainly was doing his job, i never really thought he would look that good when the other players stopped pulling their weight. That is what happened today - plenty of lions were beaten by their opposing man, and mills got somewhat lost.

Quigley

11 Aug 2007, 23:16

I doubt that last comment Quigs - i think Leigh tried to rely on the fact that we had played a certain type of football well for 4/5 weeks and there is not much you can do from the coach's box to save a 1/2 of football.

Mills is a player who was never dominating in our wins. Although he was certainly was doing his job, i never really thought he would look that good when the other players stopped pulling their weight. That is what happened today - plenty of lions were beaten by their opposing man, and mills got somewhat lost.
Maybe but I remember in the premiership years if things weren't working at one end you would see lepper in the forward line or even Mal and Lynch or Bradshaw down back. I just thought a mix up might have been in order. Leigh seemed to let things run on tonight when if it had been during the premiership years I think he would have tried a few more positional changes. Given that he didn't I am wondering where he sees Mills playing longer term.

notting18

11 Aug 2007, 23:31

Maybe but I remember in the premiership years if things weren't working at one end you would see lepper in the forward line or even Mal and Lynch or Bradshaw down back. I just thought a mix up might have been in order. Leigh seemed to let things run on tonight when if it had been during the premiership years I think he would have tried a few more positional changes.

I think that when Leigh had the talent of Leppa, Lynch, Mal or Bradshaw and the other great players, it may have been easier to mix it up.

Given that he didn't I am wondering where he sees Mills playing longer term.

That would be interesting to know - exactly where the club sees Mills' future

charles202

12 Aug 2007, 14:55

I think that the hesitancy was because of his poor disposal by foot, the Hawks burned us on a number of turnovers in the back half, and i think that it would have a risk with Alice back there.

I think that Millsies confidence has been up the last month, it would be a shame to see him loose it due to a skill error.

I think that Mills will see the balance of the season out in the magoos. however, i still think that he is coming along well and might even battle out for a place in the backline as early as next year.

I keep having to remind myself everytime that i see him that he is 19, he is just a unit!

konstas_87

12 Aug 2007, 15:04

i dont think the Hawks game was lost in attack or defence..

Grimreepah

23 Aug 2007, 21:16

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8437/mills2fr6.jpg

Tough job this AFL caper - one game your lining up against in form reigning Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes, next game you're dropped from the team. But he needn't be too disappointed - he has shown in the last couple of months that he can he can make it at the top level.

TheBrownDog

23 Aug 2007, 21:26

http://i9.tinypic.com/4yezwox.jpg

Tough job this AFL caper - one game your lining up against in form reigning Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes, next game you're dropped from the team. But he needn't be too disappointed - he has shown in the last couple of months that he can he can make it at the top level.

Pre-season project should be to work on his kicking abilities.

Once he gets his kicking action refined and gets confident in it, he'll be a valuable player.

danielcanberra

23 Aug 2007, 21:40

Pre-season project should be to work on his kicking abilities.

Once he gets his kicking action refined and gets confident in it, he'll be a valuable player.

And contested marks. Is it only me who has noticed, or perhaps I need my eyes checked?

Grimreepah

23 Aug 2007, 22:39

Pre-season project should be to work on his kicking abilities.

I don't think we can get our hopes up too high on that. His technique does not easily lend itself to improvement and he does not seem to be any better since he arrived 2 years ago. Compare that to say Moody who I could imagine becoming a very good kick. With Mills it seems like he's learnt too many bad habits, and it's almost like you want to start again and teach him to be a good lefty. He can still become a good player, but I just think this will always be a bit of a flaw in his game.

Grimreepah

25 Aug 2007, 22:16

Wayde Mills comes into the side and our forward line starts clicking. As soon as he's dropped it is rubbish again. Coincidence?

BigCat2

25 Aug 2007, 22:24

Wayde Mills comes into the side and our forward line starts clicking. As soon as he's dropped it is rubbish again. Coincidence?

But Wayde Mills' absence also caused us to get killed in clearances?

They just had way too much of the ball, worked well together, and their skill level was better than ours.

Not sure how much Wayde would've helped tonight, but yeah, our forward structure (or lack of it) did look ordinary at times.

Grimreepah

25 Aug 2007, 22:31

but yeah, our forward structure (or lack of it) did look ordinary at times.

At times? IMO our forward line structure completely broke down. We seemed to be outnumbered at every contest, both in the air and when the ball hit the ground.

BigCat2

25 Aug 2007, 23:23

At times? IMO our forward line structure completely broke down.

I wondered why Mitch Clark didn't do a bit more. In his season debut vs Collingwood he demanded the ball throughout the match. Had that happened I think our structure would've looked a lot better.

Grimreepah

2 Sep 2007, 00:40

Mills comes back into the side and we score over 100 points against the best defence in the competition. He doesn't get much of the ball (tonight 2 kicks, 1 handball) but our forward line tends to perform a lot better when he's in the side.

Raav

6 Sep 2007, 19:14

e seems to get sacrificed a lot. Leads to open space up. Very akward looking lad.

notting18

15 Oct 2007, 13:21

With our trading of Wood (Clark may pinch hit in the ruck now) and the possible loss of Brennan i think Mills may be looking at playing a fair few games next year. Hopefully he can take his chances when he gets them as he could certainly play an important role in our forwardline....

Grimreepah

3 Nov 2007, 11:02

End of Season Player Review

Wayde Mills started the year by having a disappointing NAB Cup. Playing as a key defender he seemed to lack the speed to be able to get to the contest. Being so raw, it was thought a key defensive post was his only real position, but in round 2 Leigh decided to give him a different role – as a defensive forward on the opposition’s loose man in defence. It worked and he was able to keep Goddard out of the game. He failed to have the same impact in round 3 (although he did run with Goodes for the first quarter) and was subsequently dropped, but he had shown that he could contribute in different ways. In round 9 he got another opportunity at centre half back, was easily outbodied by Travis Cloke, and was subsequently dropped again.

After the Lions infamous midseason slump, Leigh said ‘bugger this’ and decided to throw caution to the wind. Mills was recalled and along with Copeland (another dour defender) became part of a revamped, blue collar, hard working forward line. Mills was playing more of a centre half forward role this time around. He led strongly, and he showed that he had good hands, and to circumvent his renowned poor kicking he would dish off at every opportunity.

While the impact of the re-jigged forward line wore off a little as opposition teams cottoned on to the predictability of it, it was still very successful. Even though Mills didn’t get much of the ball it seemed that with him there the forward line was able to function a lot better. Indeed in the 10 games Mills played up forward we averaged 103 points a game (Brown - 5.4 goals a game), and in the 12 games without him there we averaged 79 points a game (Brown - 1.9 goals a game).

But while we may have learnt a lot more about Millsy this year, the future for him is still uncertain. Is getting 5 or 10 handballs a game enough to warrant keeping him in the forward line? Can our classy defenders cover for both Merrett and Mills in the backline? Unfortunately his kicking does not seem to have improved so there must still be questions on whether he will make it. I expect 2008 will be another year of experimentation and we will know a lot more about him in another 12 months.

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/7893/millsjz4.jpg

Grimreepah

24 Jan 2008, 19:37

Mills - Definately a defender and I expect him to move back there this season. Roe, Mills and Merrit has the makings of a solid backline. Just need the tough small/mid sized guys in there to complement them.

I don't get how people think Mills is "definitely a defender". He did his best work acting as a link man up forward. He took plenty of contested grabs just outside the 50 and dished it off. His disposal means he will never act as a traditional goal-kicking CHF, but his worth to the team is much greater when he has the luxury of going for his grabs. I would much rather see Power or Black getting a free disposal running off Mills' shoulder, than having them trying to win the ball from a contest in the same area.

For me, Mills will never hurt teams on the scoreboard playing as a forward. I don't know if any team can afford the luxury of playing forwards who don't kick goals. If you compare him to other lead up players, most successful teams have a midsized player performing that role who push a little further up field and then make tracks back towards the goal line. Otherwise, they are a tall player who can regularly score goals from the 50 m arc.

Mills is the type of player who will be able to out position opposition forwards, take a mark, and give the ball off to the runners to begin a counter attack. He should be able to develop his own running game and provide options comming out of the backline too.

Of course, that is all speculation. I guess time will tell.

Wayde is 3 years younger than Joel MacDonald. In my opinion he is where Joel was 3 years ago, in so far as questionable ability. Remember how Jmac returned from injury to now arguably be in our best 22.

I am happy to allow Alice a couple more years to unearth his potential. Even now, many people are suggesting he is our number one replacement should Merrett be omitted due to injury.

For years Brisbane has experimented with backs/forwards rotating to opposite roles for short periods, Bradshaw, Brennan, Leppa, Johnson, Patfull even I think Lynchy on Lloyd at one stage?

Also enjoy your thoughts Brishawk… yes, I am very much looking forward to what the future holds for Wayde Mills, may not directly hurt the opposition on the scoreboard but could well become one hell of a feeder of goal assists.

From either end.

Brad Miller had an ordinary year, but before that was quite effective as a non-goal-kicking CHF, and he's the closest playing model of how Millsy played last year. Hard running, centered on the center circle, providing a vigorous, very visual target for anyone looking upfield in the back 50.

It's also worth noting that Brown played CHF in three premierships without breaking 40 goals -- in 2003 he only kicked 14. Obviously he contributed plenty, but allowed Lynch, Bradshaw, Power and McRae plenty of space to work in. Millsy is capable of playing a similar role. If Brown, Bradshaw, Clark, Brennan Hooper, McGrath, etc are converting, he won't necessarily have to kick a score to be successful.

However the kicking is a weakness and if he can't turn it from a weakness into at least a non-issue, sooner or later someone -- perhaps Tyler, Henderson, Collier, Garner or Clouston -- will supersede him.

And it has to be remembered that our ball movement was pathetic for a long period of time last year. We couldn't effectively move the ball from defence into attack because no-one was presenting up the ground. When we eventually did get it towards our attacking 50, Browny would have 3 on him and the opposition could flood back and clear easily.

When Mills came into the team we suddenly had someone to kick it to. He straightened us up tremendously. His kicking is average, but he does take a very good grab and gives it off to one of our mids running past. If he is going to play that role again next year he either needs to work very hard on his kicking, or learn when and when not to give it off (particularly if the receiving player is about to run into a wall).

Interesting comments. I think people see Mills as dour (which is fair enough) and because of that see him as a defender (which is often the case). But the reality is he has served the club a lot better as a forward up to this point.

I like the Brown comparison. They are polar opposites in terms of class, but Mills does have that ability to provide a target and straighten the side up. I think this role tends to be fairly under valued because supporters think they aren't kicking enough goals. But it is more about helping others and getting the forward line functional. Brown did that and Mills does that too.

Still the skill level is a major concern, and when you have a forward who you don't want to have the ball in his hands, it's not an ideal situation.

It's very hard to predict Mills' future. He could play virtually any position but has weaknesses in all of them. He is almost a pivotal player but he's not far from the scrap heap either. The term 'could be anything' is probably appropriate for Wayde.

TheBrownDog

24 Jan 2008, 20:50

It's very hard to predict Mills' future. He could play virtually any position but has weaknesses in all of them. He is almost a pivotal player but he's not far from the scrap heap either. The term 'could be anything' is probably appropriate for Wayde.

I remember when he debuted in the 2005 NAB cup, everyone was shocked by his kicking action. 2 years down the line, his kicking is still a significant concern.

He was drafted primarily for his phenomenal athletic ability. He seems a likable bloke who really trains hard and wants to get the best out of himself. This makes him worth persisting with for now. His skills need alot of attention.

POBT

25 Jan 2008, 10:03

When you have a superstar in the Carey position (ie half way between a true FF and a true CHF) as we do, then you don't need a superstar CHF. Your gameplan is not structured around your centre half forward kicking goals. In fact, if he is playing his role well, the CHF should have very few opportunities to kick goals. If he is hanging around the 50 arc, then it has many implications. It means that there is another defender to plug holes inside 50. It limits the ability of the deeper forwards to lead long. It also means your contest is going to be 50-60 metres from goal which is a whole lot less dangerous than 30-40m out. The structure requires him to clear out, therefore his ability to hurt the opposition on the scoreboard is almost a non-issue.

Mills doesn't need to be able to kick goals to play a vital role. However, it would be advantageous if he was able to wheel around and hit a forward target on the chest. If he could develop that aspect of his game, then he is our answer at CHF.

Grimreepah

25 Jan 2008, 19:39

The problem with Mills' kicking is not so much a lack of accuracy, but more that it is very telegraphed. We saw opposition defenders were able to pick him off quite easily on the few occaisons he did try to deliver inside 50. Also it takes him a long time to complete his action, so he finds it difficult to move the ball on quickly. He also tends to kick to the man instead out in front where the man will be when the ball gets there.

Quigley

25 Jan 2008, 19:55

The one thing which hasn't been mentioned as being a huge factor in his success at half forward is his run down and tackle. His fantastic endurance allows him to outwork his opponent and his combination with Hooper and Brennan was great defensively. He makes the opposition backs work both ways and tires them out allowing more room for Brown to work in because of both this and the marking target that he presents.

acuguy

25 Jan 2008, 23:00

xplo

26 Jan 2008, 14:34

He will never play forward ahead of a Brown, Bradshaw and a fit Clark, he is valuable because he can pinch hit up forward and provide a tall marking option and as mentioned has good defensive skills.

But as POBT said, he's not competing with Brown, Clark and Bradshaw. It's apples and oranges. We don't want those guys getting along way from goal to get their footy, but we need a tall connector who's not going to bring his opponent anywhere near those other guys.

Perhaps the issue is we keep using the label 'Center Half Forward' (CHF) to describe Millsy's job, when perhaps we need to coin a new term to describe it.

Millsy played best last year as a 'Center Center Forward' (CCF).

The new age CCF differs from the trad CHF in that he :

a) Plays from the center circle like a traditional centerman did in the 70's but is built more like Royce Hart than Maurice Rioli.

b) Stays out of both 50M arcs as a rule

c) Provides an easy, constantly mobile target out of the defensive 50

d) Uses his big body to shepherd, block and screen ball-carriers as they bring the ball off halfback and through the square.

e) Scraps very hard against opposition attempts to bring the ball out of our forward line, by either forcing them wide or ideally picking them off through the center corridor. This is traditional CHB-type spoiling and punching, but moved up to middle. So yes, to an extent he is playing a defensive role -- just in a non-traditional way.

You can't underestimate the value in having someone big, fit enough and with the timing to pick off these balls as they come thru. With the opposition streaming forward in waves, an intercept in the guts -- maybe a mark, tap, bump, even a finger, -- is often a killer blow, delivering the ball straight back into an opposition defence with no time to setup and no chance of getting numbers back to help.

If Millsy could do that twice a quarter he'd be killing them, but he doesn't even have to do that to win his position. If he can cover and control the corridor enough to spook the opposition out of kicking into it -- forcing them wider to the wings -- we win anyway. Their forward entries take 12secs rather that 5secs, we get extra time to get more numbers back, and they get their forays squeezed to one pocket of the other.

IMHO, if Millsy could play from the circle and simply make the opposition very wary of trying to spot up a player in the middle, he will have done a great deal towards justifying his spot.

BigCat2

26 Jan 2008, 16:34

Geez xplo, you could make any player sound like a richman's Ablett Senior. ;)

You do make good points, and for those who insist on Mills only being able to play AFL as a big defender, well I think they're half right. Mills does have a lot of attributes required to play a defensive role, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll play as a defender (as in the defensive half of the ground). I thought round 2 where he played as a tagging forward was good insight into the the role he could play consistently.

A big man with excellent endurance who works hard both ways is very valuable indeed. He can drift towards CHB and block up opposition forwards' space, and then runs hard to the middle of the ground up towards CHF to present a marking option for our players coming out of defence.

xplo

26 Jan 2008, 19:55

I guess I'm not trying to talk him up. He has some remarkable strengths and some remarkable weaknesses.

I'm more trying to make the point that he comes off worst if you try to jam him into the traditional/classic football structure -- the 100+ year old idea of big stay-at-home spine players and all the running done by ruckrovers, rovers and flankers and wingers. That's way out of date now, and while you might be able to squeeze Browny into something like the traditional FF, I reckon Millsy best role isn't listed in the classic positional setups.

POBT

29 Jan 2008, 15:00

He will never play forward ahead of a Brown, Bradshaw and a fit Clark, he is valuable because he can pinch hit up forward and provide a tall marking option and as mentioned has good defensive skills. If Mills is going to have a long AFL career he must play back.

But as POBT said, he's not competing with Brown, Clark and Bradshaw. It's apples and oranges. We don't want those guys getting along way from goal to get their footy, but we need a tall connector who's not going to bring his opponent anywhere near those other guys.

I guess I agree with acuguy to the extent that we don't really know how Clark is going to develop as a forward. Right now, he seems to be a tall forward pocket type, almost akin to a resting ruckman but with greater mobility and ability with the ball on deck. However, the development of his running game over time may mean that he can play further forward and perhaps even fill, to an extent, that workhorse CHF role. If he does, then there is no room for Mills up forward (although Clark's field kicking is not much better than Alice's). But if Clark remains an inside 50 forward, then we simply need someone as the conduit between 50s. Mills looks best positioned to fill that role.

BigCat2

29 Jan 2008, 18:40

I guess I agree with acuguy to the extent that we don't really know how Clark is going to develop as a forward. Right now, he seems to be a tall forward pocket type, almost akin to a resting ruckman but with greater mobility and ability with the ball on deck. However, the development of his running game over time may mean that he can play further forward and perhaps even fill, to an extent, that workhorse CHF role. If he does, then there is no room for Mills up forward (although Clark's field kicking is not much better than Alice's). But if Clark remains an inside 50 forward, then we simply need someone as the conduit between 50s. Mills looks best positioned to fill that role.

Alice will want to make that his spot his own pretty soon. Tyler and Henderson sound like they'll make a good fist of CHF if given the chance.

Even when Clark improves his fitness, I still see him more as a forward 50 player. One reason is that Bradshaw won't be around forever, so there'll be a vacancy in the foreseeable future. Secondly Mitch's strengths are his height, athleticism and superb marking which makes him such a dangerous player. I'd want the majority of his marks to be taken within goal scoring distance.

xplo

26 Mar 2008, 13:08

Link (http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-4711-0-0-0&sID=56333&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=5215428&sectionID=56333)

Wayde Mills capitalised with three goals in the opening term as the Lions opened a four-goal lead.

Scores:

Suncoast: 5.7, 9.8, 9.13, 12.13 (85)
Mt Gravatt: 2.2, 6.4, 9.7, 11.11 (77)

Goals, Suncoast: W Mills 4, L Henderson, P Hanley, S Harding, A Proud, J Sherman, E Reading, J Polkinghorne, L Thornton. Mt Gravatt: B Cleary 3, R Lake 3, G Tarrant 2, T Van Rooyen 2, B Riordan.
Best, Suncoast: J Sherman, A Proud, P Hanley, W Mills, S Harding, M Austin. Mt Gravatt: R Lake, S Carins, A Tarrant, R Lovitt, R Bail, N Gilliland.

Did anyone see this game? After snagging 4 it would be interesting to know if there was evidence of work being put into his kicking.

TheBrownDog

26 Mar 2008, 13:09

Link (http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-4711-0-0-0&sID=56333&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=5215428&sectionID=56333)

Did anyone see this game? After snagging 4 it would be interesting to know if there was evidence of work being put into his kicking.

Nah, he kicked 4.12

Just kidding. ;)

xplo

26 Mar 2008, 13:28

;)

Kicking 3 in a quarter, he must have been ok, because you'd think he'd have had trouble getting many more shots than that in one quarter. Of course, they may well have been from inside 20M and his 'short game' seems fine.

Last year he just struggled a bit with those gettable 40M goals that most blokes kick 4 out 5 times.

chopperduck

26 Mar 2008, 14:52

after reading the last few posts it does raise an interesting point of having another bigger target to help link the 50's. as good as browny is, you would like him getting it within goal distance, and right now he is kickin them no problems. last season he totally sorted his kicking out, and kicks plenty of goals from 50 or further, and makes it look easy.

its probably losing those taller players thru our midfield that has hurt a lil here. hard to find a good contest to kick too. mills ain't too bad and may find a role coming from the bench to do this linking role and maybe give some of our small fast guys a breather. dont think he could cement such a role tho. he would have to play down back to achieve this i think

BigCat2

26 Mar 2008, 16:21

xplo

27 Mar 2008, 10:33

I wonder if we can play Wayde as a centreman, so he can throw his weight around to win the contested ball (harder to tackle a 195cm bloke) and to offer a marking target coming out of defence.

Browny in parts of 2005 was played in the midfield and racked up clearances with easy. Obviously we don't want him to do that any more so he doesn't hurt himself, but I wonder if Mills can play a similar sort of role. A clearance machine doesn't necessarily have to have a good kick.

If he could do that then he'll be pretty valuable. Can be played in midfield, a forward marking target or a key defender.

If I remember rightly, Browny went in there again on Saturday night to try to get us going -- late first or early second quarter -- with immediate results.

Would be interesting to see the Millsy get a bit of a go at that type of role. Not certain he's got the fast snapping synapses to pull it off, but it would be nice to find out.

Funnily enough, as more and more lightweight speed demons get injected into the packs, the niche for a select few untacklable, big-bodied but fit monsters like Browny and Millsy might expand. Jobe Watson is a good example of a guy who isn't fast but has seemed to thrive as the teams has got quicker around him. He's hard to bring down before he gets it off.

blynd_freddie

27 Mar 2008, 13:05

As is regularly mentioned a kid who come up to QLD, lived in a caravan, just to play footy.
I think he will be a perfect example of a player who doesn’t have the gifted ability of say an Ablett senior but will do twice the learning with the desire and belief that he can reach that level. The threat of say a Tyler or a Henderson fighting for a similar position may even speed up and even expand his own learning expectations.

Go for it Wayde!

Grimreepah

14 Apr 2008, 14:34

Charman will probably force Mills out.

Shame though, really starting to like the cut of Millsy's jib.

Yep. Mills comes back in and our forward line starts to click and we kick a big score. Am I noticing a pattern here?

TheBrownDog

14 Apr 2008, 14:37

Yep. Mills comes back in and our forward line starts to click and we kick a big score. Am I noticing a pattern here?

Love his marking presence 60 metres out.

He isn't the most skilled player out there, but straightens us up and makes our spine seem really deadly.

POBT

14 Apr 2008, 14:50

Love his marking presence 60 metres out.

He isn't the most skilled player out there, but straightens us up and makes our spine seem really deadly.
He does that but I think the other benefit is that he spreads the defence a bit. You can't really let him run between chf and chb unmarked because he then gives an easy kick option for the rebounding defenders. And because he doesn't really venture a lot inside 50, his opponent can't really peel off him and double back on Brown or Bradshaw.

I don't know if he's the perfect answer for that lead up role but he's probably our best option right now until Hendo gets the smarts or Clark gets the engine.

Grimreepah

14 Apr 2008, 15:01

Since Mills came into the side as a forward last year, in the games he has played we have won 6.5 of 8 games and averaged 110 points. In the games he has missed we have won 1 of 4 games and averaged 75 points.

I know it's a small sample size but it's a huge discrepancy, and when you factor in that our forward line struggled before Mills came in as a forward, it starts to look like a trend.

He doesn't do much with the ball (although I was happy with his reverse torp goal from the pocket:eek:), but he must do a lot of team running to free up his mates. Or maybe he is one hell of a good luck charm. Either way I'd like him to be kept in the team.

xplo

14 Apr 2008, 15:39

IT's funny that his lack of goal kicking confidence actually helps us a little in that he almost builds his game around not getting close enough to have a shot on goal -- meaning he works super hard up the ground but keeps his own man miles clear of Bradshaw and Brown.

ZoBlitz

15 Apr 2008, 08:56

I think he does improve our structure up forward and if he could improve his kicking he'd be a definite danger.

I'd almost keep him in the team... not sure who I'd drop when Charman came back though.

Grimreepah

15 Apr 2008, 14:50

Link (http://www.northernstar.com.au/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3769602)

LIONS KEEP THE FAITH
By DARREN MONCRIEFF

WAYDE MILLS has time on his side and enough versatility to become a regular first-choice selection for the Brisbane Lions.
That's the opinion of Lions assistant coach, Justin Leppitsch, and former assistant, Shaun Rehn.
Mills, drafted by Brisbane in 2005, is regarded as a long-term prospect for the AFL club.
And he would want to be: Mills has played just 16 games in his fourth year in the AFL system.
The hulking 20-year-old from Lennox Head was wallowing in the reserves but finally got a guernsey with the seniors on Saturday and played a bit role in the Lions' gutsy 20-point win over Port Adelaide in Adelaide.
Brisbane was 47 points down at one stage in the third quarter but rallied to kick 11 of the last 12 goals to win in the wet.
"He's a long-term project, for sure," Leppitsch, one part of the Lions' celebrated back six in the club's triple premierships (2001-03), said.
"Everyone finds their feet in the first five years max.
"It takes about 50 games just to sort of release the nerves so that's still an ongoing process for him, too. He was finding a bit of touch with the reserves. He's ultra-competitive and he's coachable and disciplined, not at all flairy."
Mills flew into Adelaide as an emergency and replaced ruckman Jamie Charman at the 11th hour.
He marked his return to senior ranks in style with a goal coming from a 'mongrel' punt on a tight angle in the second quarter.
Mills presents something of an 'X' factor for the Lions.
It's his versatility - the ability to play forward and back - that excites the club, which drafted Mills primarily as a defender, says Rehn.
Coincidentally, Rehn, a two-time premiership ruckman with the Adelaide Crows and a former Lions ruck coach, now lives in the area where Mills grew up.
He moved to Bangalow after finishing up with the Lions at the end of last season.
"The young fella was drafted as a backman but he played as a really good forward and works hard defensively when up there," Rehn said.
"He's got that fitness base to run long and hard and if you're creating long leads as a forward your opposition tends to drop off."
Challenges
Mills faces challenges on several fronts to become a regular player - emerging pair Mitch Brown (??? you mean Clark) and Lachie Henderson his main 'rivals' - but Leppitsch said he has what it takes.
"He does have some stiff opposition to break into the side but he won't leave a stone unturned (to get there)," Leppitsch said.
"I think in the long-term, once his body matures, he'll become a 'tall' defender.
"But he can play a few roles. He's versatile. He's got quite a good lot of attributes."
Rehn agreed with his former coaching colleague.
"The thing with Wayde is that he is still developing," Rehn said.
"In a way, he got games earlier than anticipated (11 last year, four in 2006).
"He's 21 this year and sometimes, kids like that don't fully develop until they're 23 or 24 and with Wayde he'll sustain his size and bulk."

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/8600/mills4ue8.jpg