Sydney’s Braeden Campbell talks the loss of his grandad and qualifying final heroics

Braeden Campbell would talk on the phone to his grandfather Jim before every AFL game. He didn’t get that call this week, but the Swans gun did hid his grandad proud in the qualifying final.

Before every game of his AFL career, Braeden Campbell would pick up the phone to chat with his grandfather, Jim.

If he hadn’t rung him in time, Jim would make sure he got his grandson on the line. They would talk footy, life and everything in between. Campbell’s middle name is even a tribute to his grandfather.

On Saturday night, Campbell celebrated one of the finest moments of his young career. His incredible cameo as the sub in Sydney’s six-point qualifying final win over the Giants was an electric performance as the Swans mounted an incredible comeback.

But it was his first game without that customary phone call, as Campbell played through immeasurable heartache following Jim’s passing on Thursday night.

Campbell dedicates a last quarter goal to his late grandfather. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“He was a massive fan,” Campbell said.

“I’d call him before every game, and he’d call me. Obviously, I didn’t get that phone call this week, but yeah, it was something special.”

Campbell sought out one person in particular on the full-time siren. His sister, Hannah, is a physio for the Swans and was feeling just as many emotions as her brother.

The embrace they shared on the SCG was full of tears, smiles and memories of a win that will always carry extra meaning.

“He and Hannah after the game on the ground there, that’s a pretty special moment for the family,” John Longmire said.

“It’s a great credit to him. It really should be a proud moment for him and his family the way he did that. They lost a loved one during the week and for them to be able to sit down as a family tonight and reflect on how BJ’s grandfather impacted him, and the family, is a special moment.”

Campbell has been in sensational form across the past month for the Swans. He looks to have finally grown into his talent and has found that extra spark to impact games like his potential always dictated he would.

Campbell had huge impact as the sub against GWS. Picture: Getty Images

He entrenched himself in Longmire’s best 22 until an injury scare impacted his qualifying final week. Following Tuesday’s session, he pulled up with a sore groin and there was genuine concern whether he would take to the field against GWS.

The decision was made to play him as a sub, knowing the impact he could still have.

“He was able to get through on Tuesday but barely,” Longmire said. “He would have been in the 22 (otherwise).

“We wanted him to still play because he’s been terrific the last few weeks.”

Injected into the game in the third quarter, Campbell made up for lost time. His energy on the wing ignited the Swans’ attack going forward, and his contest around the ball inspired others to go with him.

John Longmire celebrates with Campbell after the game. Picture: Getty Images

He finished with nine disposals, four contested possessions, two tackles and two score involvements. His goal in the final quarter to bring the margin back to seven points was not only a reward for effort, but a highlight to savour.

“Getting that goal, it was for grandad,” Campbell said. “I’m just super happy I was able to actually play and have an impact the way I did.

“It’s been a pretty tough week, but getting to spend the win with my family straight after the game is special. Luke Parker was also massive for me, he found out just after I did and really took me under his wing to make sure he was there for me and that I felt really comfortable.

“I’ve played that role a fair bit being the sub, so it’s more about your mindset. It’s understanding you could play anywhere on the field, and when it’s your time, you’ve got to play that role and embrace it.

“I spent some time with family yesterday to focus on that, and then when I woke up this morning it was purely on the game.

“I can’t describe it, it’s just an unreal feeling.”

Originally published as Sydney’s Braeden Campbell talks the loss of his grandad and qualifying final heroics