Injured Sydney Swans captain remains sidelined as his long-awaited return continues - "He won't play this week, he won't play next week"

Sydney Swans skipper Callum Mills has been off the field since 2023 due to a series of nagging injuries. The Swans star sustained a pre-season shoulder injury that was followed by calf and groin injuries, all of which rendered him unable to play.

Now, with his health having improved significantly, the question of his return is on everyone’s minds. But for Sydney Swans coach John Longmire, this remains out of the question. Longmire insisted that Mills' return must not be rushed. The Sydney captain hasn’t played since 2023’s elimination finals against the Carlton Blues, and according to Longmire, he will remain on the sidelines for a few weeks.

In an interview with Fox Footy reporters, Longmire gave his thoughts on the matter, saying,

“He won’t play this week. He won’t play next week. And the conversation is around (playing) the week after and hopefully, he gets through the end of next week’s training in the sort of form he was at today’s training session.

“For want of a better term, I guess it’s like a mine pre-season to get enough work into him to be able to sustain a decent run of football.

“We’ve got to make sure we get that right, so we’re giving him the opportunity to do that now. He’s training, he’s pulling up well… and he’s experienced, so he knows what to do in a preparation sense.”

It is uncertain whether Mills will return to play in the senior side or in the twos first. Either way, his comeback is highly anticipated by fans and his team.

Callum Mills will have to spend at least another two weeks training and preparing for his return, and even then, there’s a possibility that his return will once again be extended. For now, Mills' return seems set for July 13 in round 18 of the 2024 AFL Season.

Sydney Swans star Luke Parker also set to make anticipated return

Despite missing Callum Mills on the field, the Sydney Swans have been thriving. The AFL ladder-leaders have lost just one match through 15 rounds and seem set to be this season’s premiers. However, Luke Parker is also set to return in round 18. Like with Mills, Longmire is also reluctant to rush Parker’s return as he has only just recovered from an arm injury he sustained in the pre-season.

With Sydney’s current frightening form, having Parker and Mills put on the red and white jersey again might just be the final ingredient that makes the Swans truly untouchable.