Sydney Swans

Mixed news for Swans midfield pair, defender facing a month on sidelines

Sydney coach John Longmire provided the latest on several hampered players.

Published by
Josh De Sa

Sydney had a fantastic victory against the Western Bulldogs at the SCG this past Thursday slimming the Dogs' top-four chances.

Head coach John Longmire now has plenty to look forward to regarding team selection as they prepare to take on the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium in Round 19.

Defender Dane Rampe has been charged by the MRO for an off-the-ball hit and given a two-week ban, which the club has since decided to challenge. Longmire gave his thoughts on the incident, ruling it an "accident" rather than anything malicious.

"We understand it being looked at but every instance is different and you have to look at the context," Longmire said.

"In this particular context, the Bulldogs player was leading the ball, he was pointing at the ball, a left-footer was coming out to kick it to him and Dane was doing what he needs to do which is getting in a position to try and get up the ground and spoil.

"Unfortunately accidents happen in football."

The Swans have had a horror run with injury all season, however, key midfielder Chad Warner seems to be primed and ready to go ahead of the Swans clash with the Dockers. Longmire provided an update on his side in his press conference on Monday.

"He [Warner] did some training today and the plan is to train him again on Wednesday. Hopefully, he'll be available to play," said Longmire.

Whilst Warner is seemingly available, Longmire's side can add yet another player to the injury list in young midfielder Angus Sheldrick. The 19-year-old suffered an ankle injury that could possibly rule him out for the rest of the season.

“Unfortunately Angus hurt himself in the first quarter against the Tigers and had an operation on his ankle. He's out for a number of weeks now, he's a tough kid," Longmire stated.

“He was coming through as a young midfielder who we were really looking forward to seeing how he would develop."

Longmire also provided an update on defender Lewis Melican, who suffered yet another soft tissue injury, with the Swans coach noting Aaron Francis could take the backman's possibly take up his role.

“Melican will be out for 3 or 4 weeks with a hamstring. Aaron is obviously one we hope to be able to play and come in and do a role for us down back."

Whilst speaking to the media, Longmire confirmed that star forward Lance Franklin will be likely to make the trip to Perth to take on the Dockers.

"Because he played on the Thursday it gives us an extra few days break. If it was a six-day break the situation would probably be a little bit different," said the Swans coach.

"Hopefully if he does what he needs to do on Wednesday and pulls up okay from today's session, he'll be in line to play on the weekend."

Published by
Josh De Sa