CAITLIN BASSETT: John Longmire’s tough call on Callum Mills fitness for AFL grand final against Brisbane Lions

Grand final selection can be tricky — there is no resting or wrapping players in cotton wool — this is it.

Skipper Callum Mills is a selection headache for Sydney as he races against the clock to be fit in time for Saturday’s decider.

The 27-year-old tweaked his hamstring at training and was ruled out for his side’s preliminary final win over Port Adelaide on Friday.

Amid the buzz and excitement of the week a tough decision has to be made that will ultimately shape someone’s career.

Swans coach John Longmire has one of those calls to make.

In 2022 Longmire backed in Sam Reid when he told him he was ready to play. Reid limped off early and was subbed out of the game.

Will it leave the Sydney boss gun-shy?

Soft tissue injures are such a tough call as healing times can vary from athlete to athlete and with Mills, the extent of the strain is unclear.

As the captain, Mills will probably have more of a say on his availability.

And while he undoubtedly dreams of being a premiership-winning captain, he will need to have a very honest conversation with himself about what is best for the team.

What impact would it have on the Swans chances of lifting the cup if he injures himself early in the game and they are forced to use their substitute?

From the outside it seems like the pressure is on Longmire to make the right call.

However I believe the pressure is actually on Mills to be frank about whether his hamstring will withstand the rigours of the hardest game of the year.

If he does play can he deliver a premiership winning performance? As the expectation will be on for him to do so.

I think Mills won’t be able to make the call on his fitness until game day.

The captain always wants to lead their troops, but sometimes the hardest decision is take yourself off the field of battle in the interests of the team.

Logan McDonald is battling an ankle injury but Longmire was confident today he would be fine to play. The forward was dropped for their 2022 defeat to Geelong so will be eager not to miss this opportunity.

More importantly, the playing group will want to know who the team will be — the uncertainty of not knowing which of your mates are going to be running out on game day alongside you is an unwanted distraction, particularly if you are the poor player that could be replaced at the last minute.

Brisbane are expected to have a less complicated selection process.

While their captain Lachie Neale sparked concerns after being spotted in a moon boot after their epic 44-point turnaround against Greater Western Sydney two weeks ago, he showed no signs of being hampered by injury with 31 disposals and 12 clearances against the Cats on the weekend.

It was revealed the dual-Brownlow medallist has been carrying a heel injury for the last two months which flared up against the Giants which is managed with a lighter training load during the week.

But spare a thought for Brisbane ruck Oscar McInerney, who is expected to be ruled out, after dislocating his shoulder not once but twice in his side’s epic preliminary final win against Geelong.

He will no doubt still travel with the team down to Melbourne and take part in the occasion of grand final week from the sideline.

In sport, you either win or you learn — and it can be cruel. Someone is going to have their dreams dashed, but in team sport decisions always hinge on what’s best for the group, not the individual.