A clutch Oliver Florent goal at the death was all that separated the Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs when the clubs last butted heads.

And Sydney young gun Callum Mills expects the Dogs to again pose a mighty challenge in Saturday’s season-opening showdown at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.

“I’m expecting a hard, fierce contest as they always bring,” Mills said.

“They’re really tough around the ball and they really hunt in numbers, so we’ll have to do our best to overcome that and play the way we play.

“It’s important we start the season on the right note. The start of the season is important and every other game is as well. We’re going to put our best foot forward and crack in to it.”

The Round 1 duel could see Mills play as a midfielder for the first time in his career.

The 21-year-old has starred at half-back since being drafted to the Swans ahead of season 2016, with the New South Welshman even claiming the AFL’s and club’s 2016 Rising Star honours.

But Sydney’s pre-season match simulation, inter-club game against GWS and JLT Community Series fixtures saw Mills cut his teeth at the centre bounce.

The QBE Sydney Swans Academy product said his switch to the midfield had made for an increase in intensity, but he underscored the enormous guidance of his teammates and coaches.

“You get a little less break in the midfield because by the time the ball’s being thrown up you have to be ready to go, whereas the defenders are still waiting for the ball to come in,” Mills said.

“But it was awesome to learn off Josh, Luke and Isaac during the pre-season; they’ve been really helpful for my development.

“And Dean Cox and Brett Kirk are our two midfield coaches, who were both very handy players in their time, so to be able to learn from a few people like that at the club has been great.”