Sydney will be forced to enter the season without the services of Tom Papley after the dynamic small-forward was dealt a blow just a fortnight out from the season.
As first reported by Peter Ryan of The Age, the 2021 All-Australian will miss anywhere between four to six weeks with a hamstring strain sustained during Sydney's practice match in Albury last weekend.
While the club initially held hopes that Papley would be fit for Round 1, the 25-year-old will instead watch the latest iteration of the 'Battle of the Bridge' from the stands.
With 43.27 at goal last season, the Gippsland Power product proved to be Sydney's second-deadliest forward threat.
Still, given Giants' deadeye Toby Greene (suspension) and fellow small Brent Daniels (foot) will also miss the season opener at Homebush, Papley's loss has been offset.
Should the worst-case scenario eventuate and Papley is forced to remain sidelined for six-weeks, he will also miss the Swans' respective clashes with the Cats, Bulldogs and Kangaroos.
Sydney and GWS are set to face-off at Accor Stadium on Saturday, March 19 following their respective contests against North Melbourne and Collingwood this coming weekend.
