Callum Mills named as stand-alone Sydney Swans captain despite being out for half the season with shoulder injury

Callum Mills will serve as the stand-alone Sydney Swans captain in 2024, but has admitted there was a moment of doubt after his freak injury suffered on Mad Monday.

Callum Mills has been named as the Swans’ stand-alone captain for the 2024 season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Callum Mills admits he thought his Mad Monday injury may have harmed his leadership aspirations after being named as the stand-alone Sydney Swans captain for 2024 on Tuesday.

Mills has spent the last two years alongside Dane Rampe and Luke Parker as co-captains of the club. However, Rampe and Parker both came to the decision this off-season to step down from the role.

While the 26-year-old was always destined to be captain according to coach John Longmire, Mills conceded there was a moment after he tore his rotator cuff off the bone wrestling with teammate Jacob Konstanty at a Surry Hills pub where he thought those chances had disappeared.

Mills thought there was a chance his captaincy hopes had been dashed after his Mad Monday shoulder injury. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“Yeah, it runs through your mind when you make mistakes,” Mills said. “But I go back to the conversations that I had with Horse (Longmire) and the support I felt from the club down was reassuring.

“When you make a mistake, to have people that have your back is extremely important. And I’m just extremely thankful for the people that we have.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself over the period and as a leader as well. The fact is that I’m human and made a mistake, but I’m not gonna let it define me and I’ll be able to lead the group the best I can.

“I’m super privileged and honoured to be sole captain of the footy club. It’s something I hold very close to my heart.”

Mills was initially informed of the decision by Parker and Rampe to step down during their pre-season camp in Coffs Harbour. The choice was then ratified by the playing group on Tuesday morning with Rampe announcing it to the rest of their teammates.

It’s the first time since Josh Kennedy in 2018 that the Swans have had a stand-alone skipper. It also marks the first time a Swans Academy product will be the sole captain of the club.

Despite his expected time on the sidelines to start the season, Longmire confirmed that Mills has his full endorsement going forward and that their relationship is stronger since the incident last September.

Mills and Longmire will be working closer than ever in 2024. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“While it was disappointing and clearly a mistake, in the end, you sit back and he’s the man to lead this footy club,” Longmire said.

“Millsy has been able to learn off the previous captains that have gone before him. The ones that have stood down today were as good as any. So, we feel now the time is right.

“Whilst we’d love him playing, he’s not. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be a great captain of the footy club for the first half of the year anyway. He’s got a great opportunity to be able to put a stamp on it.”

Mills first joined the Swans’ leadership group as a 21-year-old and becomes the latest talent from NSW to take on the mantle as Swans skipper.

Longmire believes his elevation from Academy player to club captain is a positive indication of the growth of Aussie rules in the state.

“One of my great thrills is seeing Australian rules football grow in this state, particularly in this city, the most competitive sporting market in the world,” Longmire said.

“Sitting back and seeing the interest in the game based upon guys like this who have come through our Academy system … local kids really identify with that.

“It’s cool to have a young kid coming through this city and playing AFL football and I think that’s just wonderful.”

Mills’ return from injury is progressing well, but his expected return date is still mid-season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The Swans are yet to decide who will stand in as captain for Mills while he is on the sidelines with the most likely scenario to be rotating duties.

The midfielder also confirmed that while his rehabilitation is progressing strongly, he still isn’t expected back until “around the mid-season mark”.

However, he is eager to be as involved as possible in the early weeks even though it might mean sitting further away from his coach.

“I think I’ll be playing a part on game day. What that is, I’m not sure quite yet,” Mills said.

“I might have to take a couple of seats down from Horse because he’s quite loud. But I’ll definitely be involved in some way or shape.”