Swans track watch: Sydney Swans co-captain Callum Mills ramps up return from shoulder injury

Callum Mills has hit the ground running in his return to pre-season training at the Swans, following his disastrous injury sustained at the club’s Mad Monday.

Callum Mills marks a ball in training as he ramps up his return from a shoulder injury. Picture: Phil Hillyard

A rejuvenated Callum Mills has hit the ground running in Coffs Harbour as the Swans’ co-captain ramps up his return from a pre-season shoulder injury.

The 26-year-old tore his rotator cuff during a Mad Monday incident last September but has made strong progress as he looks to accelerate his recovery.

After over a month in a sling, Mills spent most of November and December in the gym with a focus on strength training and rehabilitation.

However, during the Swans’ first hit-out on their pre-season camp in Coffs Harbour, Mills was heavily involved in several non-contact drills.

His range of motion was impressive with no issues taking overhead marks. He was also running freely and involved in plenty of free-flowing handball chains.

Mills was running freely and involved in several non-contact drills. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“It shows you the person he is,” Isaac Heeney said.

“He’s not someone to let a little mishap control him in any way. He’s one of the toughest people I’ve ever met, one of the best leaders I’ve met.

“For him to do what he’s done at such a young age and come through, I guess this is just a little hurdle and it’s gonna make him a better person, better player.

“He’s dominating his rehab and it’ll be good to have him back because he’ll come back a stronger and better person.”

It’s a step in the right direction for Mills, however, there is still no expected change to his estimated return around halfway through the season.

“He’s definitely pushing and he’s doing everything he can and more,” Heeney added. “It’d be interesting to see if he can bring it forward.”

Mills is on the way back from a serious shoulder injury. Photo by Phil Hillyard

Mills’ injury is the only worry for the Swans leading into the 2024 season with a remarkably clean bill of health across the squad.

Lachlan McAndrew was the only other player on lighter duties after a wrist injury last year, but he is set to return to full training in the next week or so.

The young ruckman was put through his paces by Swans staff in an intense session, working on his stoppage craft with about five coaches while other players had finished for the day.

It’s a strong foundation for the Swans with those close to the club amazed at the contrast of the health of their squad compared to 12 months earlier.

“The good thing this year has been that we’ve got a lot of the boys on the track,” Heeney said. “Last year we had a couple of injuries and we didn’t do too much match sim this time of year, purely because we didn’t have many boys on the track.

“So we’ve got our majority out there running around and feeling really fit. So it’s exciting times and look forward to the season starting.”

Reid was one of a number of talls put through their paces with a wet Sherrin. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Monday morning’s session was relatively light for the side before they play a practice match on Wednesday.

In wet conditions, ball handling was a focus with plenty of their talls put to the test in marking contests. Transition footy looks set to be key to the Swans’ plans with coaches timing how quickly they could rebound out of their defensive 50.

It was the usual suspects who stood out, with Nick Blakey, Errol Gulden and Chad Warner all looking slick with ball in hand. Corey Warner was another who impressed with his handling and ability to find a quick handball.

Gulden also pulled out a few party tricks for the dozens of school kids watching on in the stands, snapping a ball through the sticks from the pocket right in front of them.