Mills blew out what he described as “natural cobwebs” in a match he said he simply wanted to get over and done with, such were his heightened emotions in the lead-up. His shoulder was tested and came through with flying colours.
“I was pretty low. Very low. It’s been a long time since [the injury] and I just thought, I’m gonna somehow find gold in it,” Mills said.
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“It’s been a long journey, but the footy club has been super supportive, amazing for me personally. And the way the boys have gone about it, the maturity of the group, evolution of the group has been really awesome to see. As much as I’d love to be playing with them every week, it was awesome to see what they were doing and now to be back playing is even better.”
Parker was a late inclusion and entered the fray in the third quarter as the substitute, replacing Justin McInerney. He was clearly intent on making up for lost time, finishing with 13 disposals, four clearances, six tackles and two goals in little more than a term of football. The first was his 200th in the AFL.
“It was awesome to see the crowd get around him when he ran on as well,” Mills said. “I was actually here [as a fan] when he debuted as a sub in 2011. The crowd roared when he went on – it was almost like that again.”
Aside McInerney’s injury – a suspected PCL strain – it was close to a perfect afternoon for the Swans, who will welcome back Heeney for next weekend’s trip to the Gabba to face the Brisbane Lions.
Source Agencies
