Sydney name Callum Mills one of three Swans co-captains as veteran Josh Kennedy steps down

Mills declared he was “humbled” to take on the Swans’ co-captaincy alongside Luke Parker and Dane Rampe for 2022 after being identified as ready to step up by Kennedy.

Midfield warrior Kennedy elected to stand down after five years holding a captaincy role but he will remain in the club’s leadership group.

The 33-year-old was stand-alone captain in 2017 and 2018 – succeeding Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack – before sharing the role with Parker and Rampe the past two years.

Mills, a part of the Swans’ leadership group since 2019, said he was honoured to be named as a Sydney captain.

“It’s very exciting, very humbling. I’m pumped to be joining Luke and Dane as co-captains this year,” Mills said.

“‘Horse’ (coach John Longmire) gave me a phone call and let me know I would be joining the two (Parker and Rampe) and I was definitely shocked.

“It’s something that I aspired to. I love this footy club and I love the playing group so I was extremely honoured and pretty taken aback to be honest.

“I’ve had great role models since I came in, Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack and then ‘Joey’ Kennedy and now ‘Rampes’ and ‘Parks’, I have learnt a tremendous amount from all of them.

“The biggest thing is they were all true to who they were. They were all great leaders in their own rights but they were all different, which is something I have taken out.

“I am going to be a little bit different to Luke and Dane and they will be different to me. We will bring our strengths together and hopefully that will make it successful.”

Kennedy, entering his 13th season at the Swans, said the time was right to stand down and allow some fresh blood to lead the club.

“We’re here for a short time in the scheme of things and it’s our duty to take that baton when it’s our turn and then pass it on when the time comes – and for me that time is now,” the three-time All-Australian said.

“I’m really grateful to Jarrad and Kieren, along with John Longmire and the club for giving me the opportunity to captain. I’ve learnt so much over the journey and I’m really proud of what we have achieved.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to try to get the best out of myself and this team this season. We’re in a great position and I’m excited by what’s ahead.”

Longmire revealed Kennedy had approached him halfway through last season to push the case for Mills’ promotion.

“Josh approached me midway through last season and said ‘Millsy’s ready’,” Longmire said.

“To identify that, foster it, and then make a selfless decision, sums up the sort of person Josh is. I know he will continue to be an important mentor.”

The three co-captains and Kennedy will be joined by Tom Papley, Harry Cunningham and Lance Franklin in the club’s seven-man leadership group.

A product of the Sydney Swans’ Academy, Mills was first elevated to the club’s leadership group at the age of just 21.

He has played 110 games for the Swans since joining the club as a first-round selection in the 2015 AFL draft, winning the 2016 Rising Star award in his debut year.

Mills thanked Kennedy for setting the standard early in his career.

“Joey has taught me so much throughout my journey and I think the biggest thing he has taught me is resilience and consistency,” Mills said.

“Especially with the way he plays and trains, everything he does is consistently good and at a high level. You just automatically follow when people like that set the standard so high.”