AFL grand final: Former Sydney captain feels for Callum Mills

The former Sydney captain who will present the premiership cup if the Swans win on Saturday has endured similar heartbreak to Callum Mills.

Callum Mills with Harry Cunningham after a big hitout on Wednesday. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Few former players would understand Sydney captain Callum Mills’ shattering situation like Stuart Maxfield.

The former Swans skipper said he felt keenly for Mills after he was ruled out of the grand final despite declaring his fitness following their Wednesday training session.

Mills had suffered a hamstring strain three days after the qualifying final win over GWS, with the Swans deciding not to take the risk after he only managed seven senior games upon his return from an off-season shoulder injury and a calf setback.

Callum Mills (right) spoke to Sydney coach John Longmire at the end of the Swans’ training session on Wednesday before Mills was ruled out of the grand final. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Maxfield, who will present the premiership cup to the Swans if they succeed on Saturday, missed out on the 2005 flag in his final season after repeat knee injuries kept him to only five games at senior level.

“I obviously feel for Callum, it’s disappointing. But knowing Callum reasonably well, he’s a strong character and he’s a fantastic leader, a player who always puts the team first,” Maxfield told reporters on Thursday.

“He hasn’t played a lot of footy this year but he’s had a huge impact on the entire club and particularly the players.

“No doubt the next couple of days he’ll be providing the support that they need.”

Former Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews (left) and Sydney captain Stuart Maxfield will present the premiership cup to their side if successful in the grand final. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Maxfield, who worked in Sydney’s football department and later as an opposition analyst after retiring, said he would send Mills a message after the grand final.

“I won’t reach out to him prior to the game – I will after the game,” he said.

“I’m sure he’s got enough on his plate at the moment.”

Maxfield said it had been “fantastic” to watch the Swans remain a consistent force under John Longmire, with this to be their fifth grand final appearance in 12 years.

“It’s fantastic to maintain that level of competitiveness and excellence at the top end for a number of years … they haven’t always achieved the ultimate all the way, but even seeing the challenges they’ve embraced this year, similar to the Lions,” Maxfield said.

“They’ve travelled different pathways throughout the season, but both are in reasonably good form, so I look forward to a great contest on Saturday.”

Originally published as AFL grand final: Former Sydney captain feels for Callum Mills