As our 2026 campaign comes to a close, I want to thank you on behalf of the entire AFL playing group for your unwavering support and loyalty throughout the season.
After the emotions settled following the preliminary final, the overwhelming feeling throughout the squad is gratitude.
The last six weeks have been incredibly challenging for everyone involved with our club and your support, from the stands, at home and across the wider community, means an enormous amount to us as players. Thanks to you, our members and fans, the feeling inside the SCG during our finals campaign was one the players will not forget.
On a personal level, I have been overwhelmed by the support following my injury. I am incredibly grateful for every message and conversation. In moments like this, I am reminded of how special our community is. As my rehab begins, I’m looking forward to getting to work, while supporting the team in any way I can.
As our focus turns to a new season, we will be working hard to improve. As a playing group, we are committed to doing the work required to uphold the values and standards we expect of everyone at the Sydney Swans.
From a football perspective, we want to be playing at the pointy end of the season every year, that’s what we strive for. It’s bitterly disappointing that we missed an opportunity to put ourselves into a Grand Final. But we are also proud of finishing second on the ladder, hosting a Prelim, and falling just short against the minor premiers.
There’s lots that I’m really encouraged about. To see young players like Jesse Dattoli, Billy Cootee, Angus Sheldrick, Tom Hanily, Harry Kyle and Caiden Cleary perform the way they did in their first finals campaign was heartening and an experience which will put us in good stead for next year and beyond.
As we head into the break, the AFLW season continues. I’d like to wish Colin, Lucy and the team all the best against North Melbourne this Sunday and for the second half of the season. They are playing great footy and there’s a real excitement around what they can achieve this year. I know the whole Swans community will be behind them.
Thank you again for your support in 2026, it’s not something we take for granted.
Callum Mills,
Sydney Swans AFL Captain
