Sydney have been dealt a cruel injury blow on the eve of the 2018 AFL season with key ruckman Sam Naismith suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
Scans have revealed the 25-year-old ruckman ruptured his ACL during a training drill at Lakeside Oval.
Swans Head of Football Tom Harley said it’s clearly a disappointing outcome.
“Obviously this is a disappointing setback for Sam so close to the start of the new season,” Harley said.
“Sam was involved in a fairly routine training drill when his knee innocuously twisted, causing a rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament.
“While this is an unfortunate injury for Sam, we know he’s an absolute professional when it comes to his preparation and recovery and he will no doubt do everything possible to make sure he recovers from this injury.”
The Swans, already reeling from the shock Kurt Tippett retirement announcement, have found themselves staring down the metaphorical barrel.
Both Aliir Aliir and Callum Sinclair suffered ankle injuries in their first JLT Pre-season match against the Brisbane Lions, with neither expected to play against the Giants.
With ruck stocks thin as it is, the Swans will need to turn to Darcy Cameron to fill the gap, while we’re sure to see Towers take the centre hit outs more throughout the year.
Sam Reid is likely to take on duties throughout the season, while youngsters McCartin, Pink and Amartey have a golden opportunity to compete with Aliir Aliir for the fourth spot.
Sam will undergo further medical assessment before deciding on the next course of action.
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