It was a return 309 days in the making, and on a sunny afternoon at the SCG it played out in perfect fashion for Callum Mills.
Mills made a triumphant AFL return in Round 18 against North Melbourne, finishing with a goal and 12 disposals as the Swans claimed a 79-point victory.
It was a fitting performance for Mills who featured for the first time after a lengthy stint on the sideline due to a shoulder injury suffered in the off-season, before a calf strain delayed his return.
His hard-work ethic and resilience came to the fore, and a trip to Doha as part his rehabilitation journey also paved the way for his successful return.
“There were plenty of nerves going into it, I was just wanting to be back out there but the boys were awesome and it was great to be able to get the win,” said Mills.
Mills was announced as the club’s sole captain before the start of the season, following in the footsteps of Bloods legends Paul Kelly and Bob Skilton, who went before him in jumper No. 14.
He previously shared the captaincy with Dane Rampe and Luke Parker since 2022.
The 27-year-old admits whilst it has been far from the ideal start to his tenure as sole captain, his time spent on the sidelines has been a silver lining.
“It sort of gives you a chance to step back and see it through a different lens,” said Mills.
Mills has spent most of the home and away season providing another voice from the coach’s bench, a role he says he relished.
“It’s allowed me to help people in different ways rather than being out there with them," Mills said.
"As much as I'd love to have been able out there, it just gives you a different perspective.
“I just tried to make the best out of what I could really. I got around the boys as much as possible and was able to help guide the younger guys that have really matured this year and really evolved.
“Several injury hiccups along the way was tough, but I think it's kind of shaping me into the person and the leader I want to be. You learn from tough times, not good times, so that's sort of the mentality that I've been working on.”
With the help of Qatar Airways, Mills took his rehabilitation abroad to seek out expert advice and a management plan in order for a successful return to play - visiting specialised Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Aspetar.
“Being able to have the chance to go over there and meet with the best in the world in the rehabilitation field was awesome,” said Mills.
“It was an amazing opportunity and a special thank you to Qatar Airways for being able to make it all happen and look after us over there.
“I got a lot out of it. It was really great to be able to set myself up to return back to football. They really helped me out with my program and what was needed to get back to football as best as I possibly could, it was an amazing experience.”
Despite a recent loss to the Brisbane Lions, Mills insists the playing group are determined to finish the year strong and do the club's members and fans proud.
"Their support is incredible, to be honest. The way they've turned up in droves this year has been amazing and we hear them loud and proud wherever we are.
"(We hope) they keep coming back to the games because, as players, we really love your energy and we drive off it."
The Swans will now host the Western Bulldogs at the SCG on Sunday afternoon.
