Braeden Campbell played through the heartbreak of losing a loved one to help the Sydney Swans pull off a fourth-quarter comeback to beat GWS by six points in a thrilling AFL qualifying final.
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.
Swans coach John Longmire revealed after the match that Campbell lost his grandfather Jim on Thursday.
“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.
“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.
Braeden Campbell played through the grief of losing his grandfather to help the Swans complete a historic fourth-quarter comeback
Swans coach John Longmire revealed on Thursday that Campbell had lost his grandfather Jim
“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 that BJ’s grandfather had on him and his family is a pretty special moment.”
Mills singled out Campbell in his post-game speech to the team on the field.
Campbell told the Gold Coast Bulletin he spoke to his grandfather on the phone before every AFL game.
“He was a big fan,” Campbell said.
“I called him before every game and he called me.
“Obviously I didn’t get that phone call this week, but yeah, it was something special.”
It is the first time the Swans have beaten their local rivals in September.
Campbell started as a substitute and was introduced into the action in the third quarter.
“We played great football the first half of the year, but in some ways I’ve been happier the last three weeks,” Longmire said.
“I was just happy that we managed to get through it, because that’s what it’s all about.
“Sometimes when you’re not playing very well and the opposition are in form you have to hang on, hang on and fight so we can do it and go for it, which was fantastic.”