Sydney Swans injury: How Swans cover loss of captain Callum Mills to injury

Callum Mills’ hamstring injury leaves the Swans with both a leadership and defensive hole for the preliminary final. Which Swans could put their hands up for a preliminary final return?

Callum Mills’s hamstring strain presents an interesting selection dilemma for John Longmire ahead of next week’s preliminary final against either Port Adelaide or Hawthorn.

Their clash against the Giants last Saturday was one of the first times all season they’ve had their best 23 on the park. With their captain set to miss at least next Friday’s match, it means they will have to make at least one change to the team.

Not only will the Swans be without their captain, but Mills is also an important figure in their defence. He might not be the accumulator he once was, with that job left to some of their more dynamic midfielders and runners, but positionally he plays an important role and marshalls the teammates around him.

A hamstring injury at training has ruled Callum Mills out of at least the preliminary final. Picture: Phil Hillyard

However, it is worth remembering he has only played seven games this season. While he has certainly worked his way into some decent form after his long injury lay-off, the Swans have proven they can perform in his absence already in 2024.

Sydney had a 14-3 record without Mills this season, with each of the losses coming at a margin of a goal or less. Lewis Melican has emerged as a solid key defender, Nick Blakey received All-Australian recognition for his work down back and other players like Ollie Florent and Harry Cunningham continue to be beyond reliable for John Longmire.

In terms of leadership, Dane Rampe and Luke Parker both loom as obvious replacements for the coin toss to start the match.

But there’s no doubt Mills leaves a hole on the ground, and thanks to their overall fitness, the Swans have plenty of options to try and replace him.

Longmire will need to replace both Mills’ presence and leadership. Picture: Phil Hillyard

BRAEDEN CAMPBELL

Following his starring performance as the sub against the Giants, Campbell will certainly come into the team. It was an incredible cameo that came on the back of the passing of his grandfather, with Campbell paying tribute to Jim post-match.

As long as his slight groin issue holds up, Campbell will likely come straight into the team as he is in Longmire’s best 22. He has been playing more wing/forward in recent weeks which could see Mills’ versatile role filled by multiple players. The call for John Longmire is then likely who would play as the sub, unless they opt to revert Justin McInerney to wearing the vest after having a quiet outing in his return from a knee injury.

Campbell impressed in an inspired performance as the sub in the qualifying final. Picture: Phil Hillyard

ROBBIE FOX

Fox is the most likely inclusion into Longmire’s 23. The 30-year-old’s versatility is admired at the Swans, and he has proven big-game experience in the red and white. He was easily one of their best in the 2022 grand final against the Cats.

With Mills predominantly playing in defence, if the Swans want someone to come straight into the 23 and play that role, Fox is the best option. He’s a solid one-on-one defender and has the speed to run with most forwards, especially against a young Hawks forward line which looms as the more likely opponent. Fox also makes a great substitute as a player who can genuinely play all over the ground depending on what is required.

Fox has been labelled as Sydney’s Mr Fix-It and wouldn’t disappoint if he was called upon again. Picture: Brett Costello

TAYLOR ADAMS

It would be some story if Mills’s heartache opens the door for Taylor Adams to find his way back into the Swans’ team for the end of the finals series. Omitted for the qualifying final, Adams’s form saw him as the unlucky man to drop out for the return of McInerney and Tom Papley.

The main hurdle for the former Pie is what role he would play. There’s no doubt his experience would prove invaluable, especially given the Swans are losing their captain. However, he plays predominantly on-ball or on the half-forward line. Mills hasn’t spent much time there in his seven games this year. If Longmire specifically wants a sub with proven big-game experience, Adams could be the perfect choice. But if he needs that defensive cover as well, he’s probably behind Fox in the pecking order.

Adams certainly has the experience and leadership to make up for Mills’s absence. Picture: Phil Hillyard

CAIDEN CLEARY

A less likely option but it could depend on the match-up, Caiden Cleary could be the way Longmire fights fire with fire. Cleary’s energy in the back-half of the year was eye-catching and while he’s only in his first year of playing in the AFL, most considered him unlucky to fall out of the team given his impressive performances.

If the Swans come up against Hawthorn in particular, Cleary’s fresh legs, youthful exuberance and relentless pressure could be handy to be waiting on the wings. But that’s a big risk to take for a preliminary final when experience is so key.

Cleary’s energy was impressive in his five games this season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

AARON FRANCIS

Francis has been under a bit of an injury cloud since the final round match against Adelaide, but looks to have cemented his position as Sydney’s next tall defender out of the side. It’s unlikely they would turn to Francis given the make up of their backline already.

CALLUM MILLS

For Mills, the concern would quickly turn to whether he would be fit for the grand final if the Swans qualify. That’s likely the number one preference for Longmire given he is their captain. But Sydney took a chance on Sam Reid for the 2022 grand final which backfired as he was subbed out at half time. In all likelihood, whoever replaces Mills for the preliminary final will also get first crack at a grand final, but that’s going to be next week’s problem for Sydney if they win next Friday.