Sydney Swans draftee Jesse Dattoli will miss a minimum of four months after suffering a lumbar stress reaction in his lower back.
The 18-year-old has begun rehab with the Swans and will not be expected to run for six weeks.
Dattoli will take a substantial break from training, with Swans head of physiotherapy and medical services Damian Raper proving an update on the teenager's recovery.
โJesse reported some low-grade back pain earlier this week, and scans have revealed he has developed a stress injury in his lower back,โ Raper said.
โHe will have a break over Christmas before commencing off-leg strength and conditioning work in the New Year.โ
Dattoli was selected by the Swans with Pick 22 in the 2024 AFL Draft. As a small forward, Dattoli impressed for the Northern Knights in the Talent League, averaging 23 disposals and 1.7 goals per game.
Dattoli also played for Vic Metro in the National Championships, where he averaged 15 disposals and kicked three goals in his four matches for the side.
Described by AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan as a โcrafty small forward/midfielder who can excel in big moments for his team,โ Dattoli has been likened to Josh Rachele, Dylan Mooreย and Giants captain Toby Greene.
The Swans will be hopeful the 18-year-old will be ready for the early periods of the season - with Sydney to face the Hawks for Opening Road on Friday, March 7.
