In a significant blow to Sydney, Warringah Rugby Club junior and Swans captain Callum Mills has been ruled out of Saturday’s AFL Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions.
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Callum Mills fights to overcome hamstring strain
Sydney Swans made the tough decision to rule out Mills after he failed to meet the necessary fitness requirements, despite his best efforts. Coach John Longmire made the call on Wednesday following the team’s main training session.
Mills, who strained his hamstring on 10 September, faced the difficult challenge of recovering within just 18 days—an unrealistic time frame in the end. The early decision allows the team to focus on their preparation without the distraction of ongoing fitness speculation.
The absence of Mills, who has played only seven games in an injury-marred season, leaves a gaping hole in the Swans’ leadership. However, former Sydney captain Stuart Maxfield believes Mills will continue to support his teammates despite his personal disappointment.
“Knowing Callum reasonably well, he’s a strong character and he’s a fantastic leader, a player who always puts the team first,” Maxfield states. “No doubt the next couple of days he’ll be providing the support that they need.”
From rugby prodigy to AFL star
Mills’s journey to AFL stardom is unique. Unlike many of his peers, he didn’t grow up dreaming of AFL glory. Instead, his early sporting aspirations were focused on rugby union, where he excelled as a junior.
Under the guidance of coach Clive Nettleton, Mills won three consecutive state championships for Warringah’s under-age representative team between 2008 and 2010.
His rugby union teammates included Manly Warringah Sea Eagles’ centre Brad Parker, who had recently announced his retirement from rugby league, and rugby sevens Australian representative Simon Kennewell.
Nettleton recalls Mills as a dedicated and quick learner, attributes that have translated well to his AFL career.
“He was always a good listener and if you told him something once he did it,” Nettleton remembers. “To see what he’s done in Aussie rules, he obviously has perseverance and ability.”
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As the Swans prepare for their charter flight to Melbourne on Thursday, the team faces the challenge of regrouping without their captain. Mills will travel with the squad, likely offering support from the sidelines.
The Sydney Swans will announce their final team lineup on Thursday night, as fans eagerly await the grand final showdown against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.
Published 26-September-2024
