SYDNEY Swans Academy product Callum Mills has etched his name in the history books as the first player to attract a bid on under the AFL's new bidding system.
Melbourne offered up its No.3 pick, but the Swans were quick to match, using their No. 33, 36, 37 and 43 picks to move up the order and ensure Mills would wear the red and white in 2016.
The Swans did, however, throw a curveball later in the night by not claiming eligible father-son Josh Dunkley.
Dunkley, the son of 217-game defender Andrew, will play for the Western Bulldogs after the Swans failed to match the Dogs' bid of pick No.25.
But bidding for the academy players largely went to script, with Mills headlining seven northern states players – five taken in the first round – who will remain with their 'home' clubs.
The one surprise was new Giant Harrison Himmelberg, who attracted a bid from Richmond at pick No.14.
Himmelberg, a 194cm forward, was expected by many pundits to fall outside the first round.
The Giants matched the bid though, as they did with Jacob Hopper (No.7), Matthew Kennedy (No.13) and Matthew Flynn (No.41).
Jacob Hopper, Callum Mills and Matthew Kennedy will remain with their NSW clubs. Picture: AFL Media
Brisbane Lions duo Eric Hipwood (No.14) and Ben Keays (No.24) will also play for the club that helped develop them through their academy system.
Fellow Lions academy prospect Corey Wagner is on the move though, after North Melbourne's bid of pick No.43 was not matched.
Essendon was also happy to play some games in the father-son bidding process, nominating Jack Silvagni – son of Carlton legend and current list manager Stephen – with pick No.53.
The Blues matched it in about five seconds flat.
Jack Silvagni, aged three, runs through his dad's 300th game banner in 2001. Picture: AFL Media
Academy bids
Callum Mills (Sydney Swans): Melbourne bid No.3. Swans matched with No.33, 36, 37, 43.
Jacob Hopper (GWS): Gold Coast bid No.7. Giants matched with No.11.
Matthew Kennedy (GWS): Richmond bid No.13. Giants matched with No.34, 40.
Eric Hipwood (Brisbane Lions): Richmond bid No.14. Lions matched with No.36, 37.
Harrison Himmelberg (GWS): Adelaide bid No.16. Giants matched with No.48, 50, 55 and 59.
Ben Keays (Brisbane Lions): Western Bulldogs bid No.24. Lions matched.
Matthew Flynn (GWS): Melbourne bid No.41. Giants matched.
Corey Wagner: North Melbourne bid No.43. Brisbane Lions did not match.
Father/son bids
Josh Dunkley: Western Bulldogs bid No.25. Sydney Swans did not match.
Bailey Rice (St Kilda): Richmond bid No.49. Saints matched.
Jack Silvagni (Carlton): Essendon bid No.53. Blues matched.
