Sydney Swans co-captain Callum Mills has spoken with the media for the first after injuring his shoulder and now runs the risk of potentially missing the start of the season.
Mills injured his shoulder whilst wrestling with a teammate during a Mad Monday celebration and hasn't been given a deadline as to when he might be able to return. His scans returned early last week with results on Thursday showing significant damage.
The club has expressed their disappointment, with Swans football boss Charlie Gardiner speaking on the matter in a statement released by the club last week.
"Losing players to injury in the off-season is always disappointing," Gardiner said.
"Callum is our captain and an important member of the squad. We are extremely disappointed this injury has occurred.
"Callum is equally disappointed, as you can imagine, but he is recovering well and will get to work on his rehabilitation immediately."
On Wednesday morning, Mills offered an apology to the club and their fans about his actions, claiming responsibility and that he is frustrated that it has turned out this way.
"I want to firstly show my remorse and apologise to the club, the coaches, the board, my teammates and especially the Swans supporters. I made a bad mistake and put myself at risk, and I take full responsibility," Mills said.
"I am extremely disappointed, and this is not a reflection of the captain I aspire to be. I am gutted that this will potentially put the start of my season at risk.
"And for Swans fans, I want to make it really clear that this will not deter my nor my teammate's commitment to chasing success in 2024."
When asked about what actually occurred at the Mad Monday celebrations, he assured media that what happened wasn't important, but rather how they moved forward from it.
"I don't think that's necessarily important, what is important is that I'm here today and take ownership of my actions and put my hand up and own it," Mills stated.
"It was a bad mistake, and it is extremely frustrating, and I am gutted that this is the result".
Mills also revealed the conversation he had with coach John Longmire regarding the injury, claiming he was also disappointed that one of his leaders suffered an injury during the off-season celebrations.
"It was extremely hard, but that is the respect I have for 'Horse', to be able to own it and take full responsibility. He was disappointed, as am I," Mills said.
With a timeline yet to be announced, it remains likely the Mills will miss the majority of the pre-season with Round 1 also in doubt.
