PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Robbie Fox of the Swans in action during the round 18 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium on July 20, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Swans pair Robbie Fox and Colin O'Riordan have both suffered an injury blow in Round 1 of the VFL season, with the duo set to be sidelined for the coming weeks.
Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au, head of physiotherapy and medical services Damian Raper provided an update on both players and the layoffs they face.
O'Riordan suffered an eye injury in the opening game against the Bulldogs, while Fox injured his hamstring in the first half of the VFL clash.
"Colin unfortunately suffered a poke to his eye during the VFL game on the weekend. He will need a couple of weeks to get his vision cleared and checked by the specialists," Raper said.
"Robbie Fox was playing well in the VFL game, but unfortunately while sprinting during the second quarter he suffered a hamstring strain. He will miss a couple of weeks while he undergoes rehabilitation for that injury."
It is an unfortunate blow for the two Swans defenders, who would have been eager to crack into an in-form Swans team who have started the 2022 AFL season in blistering fashion.
Raper also provided an update on young speedster Justin McInerney, who missed Sydney's clash against Geelong last Friday, with the midfielder still touch and go for the AFL side this weekend.
"Justin McInerney missed last week with his knee sprain, he's progressing well and will be a test in training this week," Raper said.
Star small forward Tom Papley is continuing to recover from a hamstring injury that has caused him to miss the opening rounds of the season. The Swans will be looking forward to Papley's return for more firepower in their exciting forward line.
"Tom Papley is progressing well with his hamstring rehab as per our current plan, we're happy with his progress at the moment," Raper said.
John Longmire's side will face a slow-starting Bulldogs side tomorrow night at Marvel Stadium, with the Dogs welcoming back star midfielder Bailey Smith and getting the all-clear for talented spearhead Aaron Naughton to take to the field in a must-win clash.