Sydney Swans captain Callum Mills will be absent for the team’s initial three matches in the premiership season due to injury. The talented midfielder is sidelined as he deals with a tear in his plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Consequently, he will miss the upcoming games against Hawthorn, Brisbane, and Fremantle. There is hope that Mills will return to the field for the match against North Melbourne in round four after a bye in round three.
Damian Raper, the Swans’ head of physiotherapy, reported that while Mills had been effectively managing his plantar fasciitis, follow-up imaging revealed the recent tear. The medical team has decided that Mills should spend two weeks in a protective boot before reassessing his rehabilitation programme. Unfortunately, this means he will not be ready to play before the club’s round three bye.
This injury adds to a challenging period for Mills, who had a tough 2024 season where he appeared in only seven AFL games. He did not step onto the field until round 19 due to a shoulder injury sustained in a light-hearted wrestling match with a teammate on Mad Monday. Although he managed to play a handful of games in the latter part of the season, he was unable to participate in the grand final due to a hamstring injury, leaving him as a spectator while the Brisbane Lions defeated the Swans by a significant 60 points.
Mills’ absence is undoubtedly a setback for the Sydney Swans, who will need to adjust their strategies in his absence. Fans and teammates alike are hoping for a swift recovery, allowing Mills to contribute to the team’s campaign once he is back on the field.