Much-improved Swan suffers “complex” injury

Sydney's Braeden Campbell will miss the start of the 2026 season with a complex injury, with no timeline on his return yet to be revealed.

Campbell suffered a stress fracture to his shin, and will seek specialist external advice.

A return to play will be determined following the consultations.

Campbell's injury comes just days out for the Swans' season opener against Carlton.

It is a major blow for the former Pick 5, who has established himself in the senior side, rarely missing a game in the past three seasons.

He played all matches last year across the wing and half back, and his setback adds to the injury woes at Sydney.

Campbell has played 94 games since his 2020 drafting. He joined the club via the Swans academy, and made his debut in Round 1, 2021.

Swans veterans Taylor Adams and Harry Cunningham will miss the beginning of the year with achilles and quad issues.

Draft pair Max King (back) and Jevan Phillipou (quad) are also unavailable for Opening Round, while Ned Bowman is out for another six weeks with a hamstring injury.

Sydney will kick off the 2026 campaign on Thursday, hosting the Blues at the SCG.

It will be a reunion, with former club stalwarts Will Hayward and Ollie Florent donning the navy blue, while Charlie Curnow will also face his old team.