Callum Mills to be ‘prominent’ in Sydney Swans leadership discussions after Mad Monday wrestling injury

Callum Mills is set to be out for a large portion of 2024 after a Mad Monday injury. So what does that mean for the 26-year-old’s leadership role next year?

Callum Mills looks set to feature in Sydney’s leadership group once more in 2024. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Sydney CEO Tom Harley says Callum Mills is still in contention to be part of the Swans captaincy group next year following his mad Monday shoulder injury.

During a freak accident at the club’s end-of-season celebrations while wrestling with teammate Jacob Konstanty, Mills fell awkwardly on his shoulder and tore his rotator cuff off the bone.

The injury is set to rule him out for almost half the season with some calling into question whether he should remain in his leadership role, alongside fellow co-captains Luke Parker and Dane Rampe.

“Callum has been a captain for a couple of years as part of a group,” Harley said.

“He’s an exceptional person, player and leader.

“We’ll run the same process that we do every year, and that’s whether we’ve had one, two or three captains, whether it’s been a first-year captain or a 10-year captain … that’ll typically play out after Christmas.

“And I’m sure when we go through that process, he’ll be prominent in all of that again.”

Harley (2L) and Mills (2R) during the official opening of the Sydney Swans’ new HQ in June. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Mills (L) was one of a handful of Swans players who travelled up to the Gold Coast for the club’s AFLW final. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Swans announced a different change of leadership on Monday with former Giants head coach Leon Cameron stepping into the role of general manager.

He replaces Charlie Gardiner after five years in the role as he returns to Melbourne. Harley paid tribute to the work Gardiner had done in that time, as well as sharing his excitement for Cameron to begin his position next year.

“The reality is the GM of AFL football role requires a Sydney residence,” Harley said.

“We were fortunate enough to bring Leon into our footy club 12 months ago. He’s clearly got footy acumen through his coaching resume.

“But the way he’s managed our Academy over the past 12 months has set himself up for a role like this. It’s a pretty seamless transition. I think he’s moving about seven metres across the hallway office-wise.

“He’s built an enormous rapport within our club over the past 12 months and I’m sure he’ll be excellent.”