Swans superstar forward Lance Franklin faces an uphill battle to prove his fitness ahead of the Swans Round 9 clash against North Melbourne in Tasmania.
The 32-year-old has missed the last three rounds, after sustaining an injury at training ahead of the Round 6 clash with the GWS Giants.
Originally classed as a 'minor' hamstring strain, Franklin has been unable to prove his fitness ahead the last two matches.
Head of Football Charlie Gardiner said it's unlikely Franklin will be able to put enough training in this week to be cleared to play.
“Lance Franklin pulled up sore from our final training session last week and didn’t get up for our game against Essendon,” Gardiner told SwansTV.
“Our medical team have said that he is probably more unlikely than like to play at this stage.
“I am not expecting Lance to take the field against North Melbourne.”
Forward Sam Reid is expected to be passed fit and lineup on Saturday night after overcoming a sore hip flexor, sustained in the last quarter against Essendon.
“Sam coped a knock on his hip pointer and looks like he will be ok,” Gardiner said.
“He is getting lots of treatment and I think he will come up for this week’s game.”
Forward recruit Daniel Menzel made a successful return to football on the weekend, stepping up his recovery after pre-season groin injury.
The exciting forward booted three goals and collected 11 disposals in the Swans' NEAFL side's convincing wind at Henson Park.
Gardiner said he expects Menzel to push for selection in the next fortnight.
“Daniel Menzel had a really good return on the weekend, he kicked three goals and got plenty of the ball,” Gardiner said.
“He looked like he was enjoying being back out there, which was fantastic.
“We think he will need some more time in the reserves before he pushes for senior selection, but we are hoping that is sooner rather than later.”
Back-up ruckman Darcy Cameron suffered a calf strain during the first quarter of the Swans' NEAFL clash against Sydney University on Saturday, and is expected to miss at least 8 weeks.
| Player | Injury | Time | Sam Reid | Hip | Test |
| Lance Franklin | Hamstring | 1 Week |
| Jarrad McVeigh | Quad | 4-6 Weeks |
| Harry Cunningham | Adductor | 6-8 Weeks |
| Sam Naismith | Knee | Indefinite |
| Nick Smith | Hamstring | Indefinite |
| Heath Grundy | Back | Indefinite |
| Darcy Cameron | Calf | Indefinite |
| Durak Tucker | Knee | Indefinite |
| Jack Maibaum | Knee | Season |
Sydney Swans Injury Update - AFL Injury List
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