# Callum Mills injury and Sydney Swans leadership

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/callum-mills-injury-and-sydney-swans-leadership
> Updated: 2026-09-12T23:07:15.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

During an AFL qualifying final against Brisbane, Sydney Swans captain Callum Mills suffered a knee injury after his right knee gave way. While the club initially reported he was forced from the field and seen using crutches, subsequent updates confirmed the injury was a torn anterior cruciate ligament. This injury may sideline Mills for the entire 2027 season.

The injury has created a leadership vacancy at a time when the club is also managing multiple player suspensions. Midfielder Errol Gulden has expressed his readiness to take over the captaincy, though coach Dean Cox has several other leadership options including Dane Rampe, Jake Lloyd, James Rowbottom, and Tom Papley.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Errol Gulden offers to captain Sydney Swans after Callum Mills injury

Sydney Swans star Errol Gulden has offered to step up as captain following a major knee injury to Callum Mills, which could sideline the current skipper for the 2027 season.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/errol-gulden-offers-to-captain-sydney-swans-after-callum-mills-injury

### 2026-09-05: Callum Mills suffers knee injury during AFL qualifying final

Sydney Swans captain Callum Mills was forced off during the AFL qualifying final against Brisbane due to a knee injury sustained in the first quarter.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/callum-mills-suffers-knee-injury-during-afl-qualifying-final

---
Cite as: Callum Mills injury and Sydney Swans leadership. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/callum-mills-injury-and-sydney-swans-leadership