Sydney Swans promote young gun Callum Mills to co-captain
The Sydney Swans have announced a change in leadership, with a rising star taking over from long-term skipper Josh Kennedy as co-captain.
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Sydney Swans young gun Callum Mills has been elevated to co-captain ahead of this year’s AFL season.
The 24-year-old will replace veteran midfielder Josh Kennedy and will serve as one of the club’s three co-captains along with Luke Parker and Dane Rampe.
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Kennedy took over Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh as Sydney’s sole captain in 2017 and 2018 before sharing the captaincy with Parker and Rampe the last three seasons.
He said the time was right to hand over to Mills and focus on getting the most out of himself in the final years of his career.
“We’re here for a short time in the scheme of things and it’s our duty to take that baton when it’s our turn and then pass it on when the time comes – and for me that time is now,” Kennedy said.
“I’m really grateful to Jarrad (McVeigh) and Kieren (Jack), along with John Longmire and the club for giving me the opportunity to captain. I’ve learnt so much over the journey and I’m really proud of what we have achieved.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to try to get the best out of myself and this team this season. We’re in a great position and I’m excited by what’s ahead.”
Mills, a product of the Swans Academy, has played 110 games for the Swans after being chosen with the No. 3 draft pick in 2015.
He enjoyed a breakout season last year following a move from halfback to the midfield and was included in the 40-man All Australian squad.
Swans coach John Longmire said Kennedy had approached him midway through last season to push Mills’ case for a promotion to co-captain.
“Josh approached me midway through last season and said, ‘Millsy’s ready’,” Longmire said.
To identify that, foster it, and then make a selfless decision, sums up the sort of person Josh is. I know he will continue to be an important mentor.”
Kennedy will remain part of the Swans’s leadership group in 2022, which will be made up of the three co-captains, along with Tom Papley, Harry Cunningham and Lance Franklin.
Sydney had a successful 2021 season, finishing sixth on the ladder before suffering a heartbreaking one-point loss to the GWS Giants in the elimination final.
Originally published as Sydney Swans promote young gun Callum Mills to co-captain
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