Swans star ‘shattered’ after captain suffers heartbreaking knee injury

Sydney’s remarkable 53-point demolition of reigning premiers Brisbane came with a painful cost: captain Callum Mills is facing a suspected ACL rupture that could end his premiership campaign.

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He is an amazing captain.

Mills injured his knee in the first quarter of Saturday’s qualifying final at the SCG. Scans are expected to confirm the extent of the injury for the 29-year-old, who also missed the Swans’ 2024 grand final loss and has dealt with a series of untimely injuries during his 197-game career.

Tom Papley said the injury “didn’t look great” and described Mills as an exceptional leader. “He puts this club on his back and wears his heart on his sleeve. It’s just shattering for him,” Papley told the Nine Network. “I’d love nothing more than to win a premiership and have him by my side, albeit he might not be there [playing]. He deserves it more than anyone.”

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He puts this club on his back and wears his heart on his sleeve. It’s just shattering for him.

Mills had earned praise for guiding Sydney through the fallout from events at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne last month. The Swans are also without Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Nick Blakey, who were among five players banned by the club, along with James Jordon and Riley Bice.

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I’d love nothing more than to win a premiership and have him by my side, albeit he might not be there [playing]. He deserves it more than anyone.

Despite those absences, Sydney produced what coach Dean Cox called the club’s most complete four-quarter performance of his tenure. Logan McDonald kicked six goals, while Charlie Curnow and Papley added five each. Hayden McLean’s three goals could complicate selection, with Joel Amartey nearing full fitness and winger Justin McInerney expected to return from a hamstring strain.

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With the quality of opposition that we were playing and the ability of the match-winners that they have all over the ground.