The off-season is upon us. For some of the list it's a chance to recover and catch up with family. For others it's more crucial, with surgery done and the work back just starting. Across both groups, PILLAR's Collagen Repair is part of the daily routine, supporting the strength and health of tendons and ligaments.
Captain Callum Mills is rebuilding after surgery on the ACL he ruptured in the Qualifying Final win over Brisbane, with his rehab led by the club's medical team. Tom Papley is with the rest of the list, recovering from a run of injuries and a heavy knock in the Prelim, and getting his body right for 2027.
Where PILLAR fits
Tendons and ligaments are built largely from collagen and adapt more slowly than muscle, so they need months of consistent loading. Nutrition supports that process.
Collagen Repair is made with TENDOFORTE®, bioactive collagen peptides developed by German collagen specialist GELITA specifically for tendons and ligaments. Clinical trials have shown TENDOFORTE® supports the strength and health of tendons and ligaments, with the best results when combined with physical activity. Collagen Repair also contains vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation, and like every product in the program it's Informed Sport certified, with each batch tested for banned substances.
“During the offseason, players will continue their rehab programs with the medical team to support their return to play,” Sydney Swans Performance Nutritionist, Anneliese O’Farrell said.
“For those recovering from tendon and ligament injuries, collagen supplementation is one of the nutritional strategies we use to support recovery.
“Taking collagen 40–60 minutes before rehab exercises helps provide the building blocks for collagen synthesis, supporting strong, durable tissues.”
Building toward 2027
The off-season is quiet from the outside, but it's where next year's work gets done. For Mills it's the start of a longer road back, for Papley it's a base that holds up through 2027.
