AFL 2024: Hayden McLean opens up on Callum Mills’ return and West Coast’s possible approach to Dean Cox

He hasn’t played in the AFL for more than 300 days, but those on the track in Sydney say Callum Mills is in the best shape of his career. Plus, what does the group think of Dean Cox as the Eagles circle? Get the latest.

Hayden McLean is confident the Swans can bounce back this weekend against North Melbourne. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Swans captain Callum Mills is in the best shape of his career as he prepares to take to the AFL for the first time in more than 300 days.

Mills last played for the Swans on September 8 in last year’s elimination final against Carlton. He injured his shoulder later that month and has been on the sidelines ever since.

However, according to his teammate Hayden McLean, it has allowed the 27-year-old to start from a fresh base. A new training program and more focused rehabilitation appear to have given him a new lease on life.

“He’s done a body of work since the start of the season to get to where he is now,” McLean said.

“If you look at the nick he’s in at the moment, it’s probably the best I’ve seen him since I’ve been at the club. He’s looking strong, big, lean and powerful. I think he’s done a lot of work rebuilding his foundations, so I’m really excited to see how he goes this week.

“He’s the captain of the club so young for a reason. He’s so determined and passionate for the club, and the way he’s gone about his rehab, doing different things and trying to get back as quickly as possible.

“As a captain and not being in a team that’s winning and not being able to impact on the field has probably been a bit harder for him. But even in the game, he’s at the bench every match and helping us in any aspect he can.

“We’ve missed him and to keep the vibes going, to get the captain of the club back especially Millsy, it’s a massive boost for us.”

A lean Callum Mills looks all set for his long-awaited AFL return. Picture: Brett Costello

The Swans have dominated the headlines this week with Isaac Heeney’s striking charge a hot topic of conversation. McLean wouldn’t comment on the specifics of the decision but could relate to the club’s frustrations that he was initially unsuccessful at the Tribunal.

As a key forward, McLean believes he couldn’t count how many times he has done that exact same action in a match.

“We joked that you do it probably 40-50 times in a game,” McLean said. “You always try to get separation off your man, it’s just that unlucky thing.

“You probably saw how he stopped to say sorry at the time. I was behind him and he literally said, ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean it’.”

Sydney has worked intensively on their goal-kicking this week as they look to atone for their loss to St Kilda. They had eight more scoring shots than the Saints, but still fell two points short thanks in part to their inaccuracy.

“I think it’s just trusting what we do,” McLean said. “Throughout the year accuracy has been pretty good, especially at the start of the season.

“On the weekend and maybe a couple of other weeks, it hasn’t been as high, but I think it’s going back to our routines and backing ourselves each week.”

Mills will play his first AFL game in more than 300 days on Saturday. Picture: Brett Costello

Saturday’s match against North Melbourne looks an entirely different prospect than it did a month ago. In the past three weeks, the visitors have been one of the most resolute defensive units in the competition and the Roos have a genuine chance of capitalising on Sydney’s recent poor run of form.

Dominating around the stoppages will be key for the Swans, and it’s an area senior assistant coach Dean Cox continues to marshall. Cox has been the subject of much speculation as one of the favourites to replace Adam Simpson at West Coast.

The Swans appear happy to let Cox apply for the role if that’s what he wants. The ball is squarely in his court if he wants to head back west and try and turn around the fortunes of the club he won a premiership with in 2006.

Cox continues to have his sights firmly with the job at hand in Sydney despite speculation linking him to the West Coast role. Picture: Brett Costello

With his family well and truly entrenched in Sydney, the decision is likely to be up to him if he wants to leave the Harbour City. West Coast CEO Don Pyke is clearly a fan having worked with Cox at the Swans as recently as last year.

McLean, who works closely with Cox for his ruck craft, and the Swans have made it clear that they want the former Eagles big man to stay.

“We rate him really highly here,” McLean said. “Especially doing one-on-one work with him as a ruck, it’s understanding he’s passionate and he builds a good relationship with every player.

“A coach can help you on a personal level, but then also help you on the field and stay composed, he’s very valued.

“We’d love him to stay. He’s been really good for me personally, but as a group and as an assistant coach this year he’s settled in the role and we’ve been loving him.”

Originally published as AFL 2024: Hayden McLean opens up on Callum Mills’ return and West Coast’s possible approach to Dean Cox