Braeden Campbell becomes Sydney Swans star after grandfather’s death

Braeden Campbell’s outstanding effort at the SCG came after the death of his grandfather, while Joel Amartey and a “crook like a dog” Callum Mills were also set to miss the dramatic AFL final against GWS.

Swans coach John Longmire has revealed the behind-the-scenes stories behind his side’s emotional victory, with captain Mills overcoming a bout of gastroenteritis to take to the field against the Giants.

Amartey, who scored the winning goal after struggling to make an impact in the game, twisted his ankle on Thursday and Longmire said he “didn’t think he was going to play”.

Campbell, who came on in the third quarter on Saturday as the Swans staged a comeback to overturn a 28-point deficit and win by six points, made nine disposals, two tackles and a goal.

“He could have been in the top 22, but he had a tough week,” Longmire said.

“He unfortunately lost his grandfather on Thursday evening, to whom he was very close.

“He was really limited in his training (Tuesday), he had a sore groin and was barely able to follow the training… so we wondered whether we should play him.”

There were emotional scenes after the match as Campbell and her sister Hannah, who works for the Swans as a coach, were supported by their team-mates and Longmire on the pitch and then in the dressing rooms.

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“To win big 50-50 moments, to be tough and clean after a pretty tough week – in terms of injuries and what was going on off the field – is a big credit to him,” Longmire said.

“It should be a very proud moment for him and his family.

“They lost a loved one during the week.

“The fact that they can sit down as a family tonight and reflect on the impact his grandfather had on him and his family is a really special moment.”

Mills singled out Campbell in his post-game speech to the team on the field.

Longmire was full of praise for Amartey, who now has a fortnight to rest from the ankle injury that limited him in the clash against the Giants.

“We probably thought maybe he was gone,” Longmire said.

“He was just doing some extra marking on Thursday and twisted his ankle.

“Millsy had a stomach bug, she was as twisted as a dog tonight.

“These are stories you don’t know.

“I’m sure the opposition have the same stories. When teams are in contention at this time of year, every team in the finals series has them.

“Sometimes you have to find a way, get by and get the job done.”

PAA