Bentleigh Greens have further strengthened their defensive stocks with the signing of young versatile defender Alec Mills.

A product of Victoria’s North-East, Mills is a former Goulburn Valley Suns and Murray United junior who has enjoyed A-Leagues youth experience with Melbourne City, as well as making five appearances for the Australia under-20s in 2019.

He made his senior debut at City during the 2020/21 season and spent the start of current A-Leagues season with Brisbane Roar.

With considerable pedigree, Mills is looking forward to making his impact in a senior environment with the Greens in 2023.

“I’m 21 now, so I’m just at that age where I need to be playing senior football,” he said.

“I’ve been in the A-League academies and played the lower NPL football, I was with City for three and a half years and I had a taste of senior football, but nows the time to test myself as a senior footballer.

“For me, Bentleigh is one of the biggest clubs in Australia, so I’m very excited to have signed for the club.”

Despite his young age, Mills has enjoyed a fantastic array of experiences within youth football, as well as his senior appearances with A-Leagues powerhouse, Melbourne City and he hopes those experiences can help him become a leader within a refreshed Greens squad.

“I think when you come to a club like Bentleigh, there’s always going to be that pressure to do well. They’re previous title winners and this year they took out the Dockerty Cup, so they’re a top side with expectation,” he said.

“I’m striving to be a player that stands out and one that leads from the back. I want to help this club win titles.”

Mills said he was also excited to be able to play under a full-time coach, with the Greens having unveiled Alfredo Costantino as their first-ever full-time coach earlier in the off-season.

“That was 100 per cent a factor for me because I’ll be able to get in extra training sessions and be able to have regular meetings to discuss my game and how I can improve,” he said.

“At my age, they’re the sort of things I need from a club and a coach, so I’m excited that I can come to the NPL Victoria and still get those things.”