“You’ve just got to play everything on its merits,” Cox said. “Sam was a little bit different to Callum this time, so we made the decision what was best for the footy club for this grand final, and for Callum as well.

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“One thing that he’s [Mills] always done, ever since he’s been involved in the football club, is put the team first. His approach, certainly throughout the year and the last couple of days, has been unbelievable through a really tough time.

“Callum got through what was asked for him of the training session, and then the decision between the medical staff and coaching staff as well – we sat down for a period of time and spoke through everything. The decision was the one that we made, and then Callum was informed of that.

“All the way through the process [the other players] had no idea, even until the last minute. Then we informed the playing group, like we do with all the decisions that we make – and from there it’s about focus on Brisbane, which is what we have to do.”

Meanwhile, Cox again ruled out any prospect of him potentially leaving the Swans at the end of the season to become Adam Simpson’s replacement as West Coast Eagles coach.

“I thought I’ve done that a few times,” he said – and indeed he has, but despite his previous comments, some Perth-based media figures seem to be holding out hope that he changes his tune once the Swans’ campaign is done.

But that won’t be happening.

“I’m staying in Sydney, and that won’t change,” he said. “John’s one of the best coaches, his record’s impeccable. What he does and how he handles the club and the playing group, he’s first class, so I’m continually learning every day off John and I’ll continue to do so.”