The Swans are set to be without exciting forward Will Hayward and 2016 Rising Star Callum Mills for the Swans clash against the Gold Coast Suns at the SCG this Saturday afternoon.
Hayward was the surprise omission following the Essendon clash in round 14, but it was revealed that he had been suffering foot soreness, and will miss at least another week.
“He’s had a massive first year coming from a low base, from playing school footy in South Australia to playing at a higher level in the AFL,” Harley explained in this week’s HCF Injury Update.
“He had a few bumps and bruises after the game against Essendon, and developed a little bit of foot pain, so we’ve taken a very conservative approach with him.
“He’s presented really well after not playing on the weekend but we’ll take another week with him, purely as a precautionary, and expect him to play next week.”
The 18-year-old played 12 games in a row since debuting in round 2 against the Western Bulldogs, averaging 10 disposals, 1 goal and 3 marks per game.
With the absence of Gary Rohan for much of the season, the exciting forwards' performances have been a big win for the club, especially when they struggled for lead up targets.
His first game was as impressive as it gets, with 16 disposals, 8 of them contested, and he followed up the next week against Collingwood with 3 goals from 8 disposals.
Meanwhile, Callum Mills looks set to miss the Suns clash after suffering concussion from an off the play incident involving Tomas Bugg last Friday night.
The Swans have opted for a cautious-first approach for the young defender, and while he's being monitored closely by the medical staff during the week, they may opt to keep him out of selection.
“Due to the fact it’s before the tribunal we can’t make any specific comments other than he was clearly concussed and played no further part in the game,” Harley said.
“As far as his prognosis this week goes, it’s a bit early to call.
“He has gone through standard concussion protocol and we’ll update that a little bit later in the week.”
The 20-year-old has been an important player for the Swans in their resurgent run over the last two months, averaging 17 disposals, four marks and two tackles.
Incredulously Alex Johnson made his return to the NEAFL last weekend and is no where to be seen on any injury list.
Before you get too excited and wet yourself, please keep in mind that he hasn't played a senior game of AFL football in almost 5 seasons, so expectations need to be settled.
Harry Cunningham is progressing well in his rehab and is expected to be available for selection in the next couple of weeks, while Tippett is still sidelined with an ankle injury and Jordan Dawson could be available for their NEAFL curtain raiser on Saturday afternoon, should he recover in time from a calf injury that ruled him out of last weekends match.
| Callum Mills | Concussion | Test |
| Jordan Dawson | Calf | Test |
| Kurt Tippett | Ankle | 1 Week |
| Will Hayward | Foot | 1 Week |
| Harry Cunningham | Foot | 1 Week |
| Robbie Fox | Ankle | 6-8 Weeks |
| Darcy Cameron | Shoulder | Season |
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