Arabic version: بابلي محطم بعد تعرّض ميلز لإصابة خطيرة في الركبة

According to ABC News, Sydney star Tom Papley says he is “shattered” for Swans captain Callum Mills after Mills suffered a serious knee injury during Saturday’s 53-point qualifying final win over Brisbane at the SCG. Mills limped from the field in the first quarter following a non-contact injury, and scans are expected to confirm an ACL rupture.

The 29-year-old is expected to miss the remainder of the finals. The injury casts a shadow over Sydney’s push for a premiership after its emphatic victory over the reigning premiers. Mills has played 197 games and previously missed Sydney’s 2024 grand final loss while dealing with a series of untimely injuries.

“He is an amazing captain,” Papley told the Nine Network on Sunday. “He puts this club on his back and wears his heart on his sleeve. It’s just shattering for him.” Papley said he would love to win a premiership with Mills by his side, even if the captain could not be playing, adding that Mills deserved it “more than anyone”.

Sydney now has a week off before hosting a preliminary final at the SCG against either Fremantle or Geelong. The Swans defeated Brisbane despite five club-imposed bans, with Logan McDonald kicking six goals and Charlie Curnow and Papley adding five each. Coach Dean Cox said it was the most complete four-quarter performance of his tenure, while Joel Amartey and Justin McInerney are expected to be available for the preliminary final.