Braeden Campbell helps Swans to famous AFL finals victory just 24 hours after heartbreaking family tragedy
- Braeden Campbell’s grandfather passed away this week
- Swans star helped Sydney to huge win in preliminary round final
- Campbell was emotional after the match against GWS
Braeden Campbell played with the loss of a loved one to help the Sydney Swans stage a fourth-quarter comeback and beat GWS by six points in a thrilling AFL qualifying final.
Campbell, who entered the fray in the third quarter on Saturday as the Swans staged a stunning comeback to overturn a 28-point deficit and win by six, had nine disposals, two tackles and a goal.
Swans coach John Longmire announced after the match that Campbell lost his grandfather Jim on Thursday.
“He was supposed to be in the 22, but he had a rough week,” Longmire said.
‘On Thursday evening he unfortunately lost his grandfather, with whom he had a very close bond.
“He really struggled in training (Tuesday), had a sore groin and could barely get through training… so we were hesitant to let him play.”
There were emotional scenes after the match as Campbell and her sister Hannah, who works as a coach for the Swans, were supported by their teammates and Longmire on the field and then in the gym.
“To have won some big 50-50 moments and to have stayed tough and honest after a pretty tough week – injuries-wise and what happened 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 stage a fourth quarter comeback worth watching
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 this week.
“To be able to sit together as a family tonight and reflect on the impact BJ’s grandfather had on him and the family is a very special moment.”
Mills specifically addressed Campbell in his address to the team on the field after the game.
Campbell told the Gold Coast Bulletin that he called his grandfather before every AFL game.
“He was a huge fan,” Campbell said.
‘I called him before every game, and he called me.
‘Of course I didn’t get that phone call this week, but it was something special.’
It is the first time the Swans have beaten their local rivals in September.
Campbell came on as a substitute and was brought into action in the third quarter
“We played some great football in the first half of the year, but I was actually happier with the last three weeks,” Longmire said.
“I was just happy that we held on because that’s what matters.
‘Sometimes, when you’re not playing so well and the opponent is good, you have to keep going, keep going and keep going. And then we succeed and we go for it. That was fantastic.’