Sydney Swans captain Callum Mills learns grand final fate

Swans captain Callum Mills “trained 100 per cent” at the SCG on Wednesday and has now learned his fate for the grand final.

Callum Mills has fallen short in his bid to play in Saturday’s AFL grand final against the Lions in a heartbreaking storyline for the Swans and their captain.

The 27-year-old sustained a hamstring injury two weeks ago and sat out the preliminary final victory over Port Adelaide last Friday.

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Mills did everything he could to prove his fitness at a key training session on Wednesday, telling reporters he “trained 100 per cent” and felt good after the session.

But a few hours later, the Swans released a statement and ended any speculation about the skipper lining up for the huge game at the MCG.

Callum Mills has been ruled out of the grand final. Photos: Phil Hillyard

“Sydney Swans captain Callum Mills will not play in Saturday’s AFL grand final,” the statement read.

“Mills trained this morning and after taking everything into consideration a joint decision was made by the club’s medical staff and the coaches to rule him out.

“Mills initially strained his hamstring at training a fortnight ago.”

Mills left coach John Longmire’s office “in tears” after the meeting that confirmed his fate, according to Channel 7 reporter Ryan Daniels.

It caps off a hugely disappointing season for the 2022 All Australian, which began with a serious shoulder injury that required surgery right back in September.

He sustained the injury wrestling with a teammate at the club’s post-season drinks and then had to wait until round 18 against North Melbourne to finally make his 2024 debut.

Mills, getting encouragement from Harry Cunningham, did everything he could at the training session. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

Mills played seven matches to close out the season, including the qualifying final victory over GWS, before picking up his latest injury.

Mills had been bullish as he left the training track on Wednesday and even Longmire told waiting media the skipper had trained “flat out”.

Mills pushed himself through an intense session behind closed doors but was captured by TV cameras leaving the field with a smile on his face, declaring himself ready to go.

“Trained 100 per cent,” Mills told waiting media.

“Hopefully (I’ll play). It’s over to Horse (John Longmire) now. But got through training and feel good. Just had to train hard and hopefully that’s enough.

Robbie Fox is expected to retain his place in defence. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

“I’ve just been worried about the team and making sure we’re in the best shape to play well in a granny.”

Longmire had said Mills went at “110 per cent” but wasn’t willing to declare his captain would take his place.

“He trained 110 per cent which is a good sign. We’ll see how he goes,” Longmire said.

“We’ll make a call when we have to call. Most importantly we’ve got our eyes on Brisbane and the rest of the team is really important as well.”

The session proved in vain for Mills who joins a long list of players to miss grand finals through injury, with defender Robbie Fox now likely to retain his spot in the side.

Spearhead Logan McDonald is likely to take his place in the grand final despite rolling his ankle during the preliminary-final win over Port Adelaide last Saturday.

– with NewsWire

Originally published as Sydney Swans captain Callum Mills learns grand final fate