Sydney captain Callum Mills will be sidelined for at least the next month as scans revealed a tear in his plantar fascia.
Mills was absent from the Swans' match simulation against GWS and was eyeing the official pre-season clash against Gold Coast, which he is now ruled out of.
The Sydney captain declared himself right for Opening Round at Monday's AFL Captain's Day, but will now watch idly by as he looks to rectify the persistent foot issue.
Sydney Head of Physiotherapy and Medical Services Damian Raper said after consultation with specialists on Tuesday, Mills will need to rest, with an aim to return to play after the club's Round 3 bye.
"Callum had been managing his plantar fasciitis well, however, he required follow-up imaging with the results last night revealing Callum has sustained a tear of the plantar fascia,” Raper said.
"After consultation with our medical team, we believe the best course of action is to spend two weeks in a boot, before reassessing Callum's return to play program.
"Unfortunately, this means he will be unavailable to play prior to the club's Round 3 bye."
Mills will miss crucial clashes against Hawthorn, Brisbane and Fremantle before the club's first bye of the 2025 season.
Sydney faces North Melbourne and Collingwood post the break.
The frustrating injury comes as the 27-year-old was sidelined for the majority of the 2024 season, which saw Sydney return to the final Saturday of September, only to lose to the Lions.
Mills suffered severe damage to his left rotator cuff this time last year that required surgery, and when it looked like he was ready to return, had nagging soft-tissue issues that delayed his comeback.
Following a successful return in Round 18, Mills looked ready to lead his club to an elusive premiership, but a minor hamstring tear following the qualifying final victory all but ruled out the skipper for the remainder of the season.
Sydney is also likely to miss key forward Logan McDonald (ankle) for the Hawthorn game as well as defender Harry Cunningham (foot).
Tom Papleu (ankle) and Jake Lloyd (foot) will be a test to face the Suns on Friday.