Sydney forward Logan McDonald is in doubt to play in the Swans' Opening Round clash as he slowly recovers from an injury sustained in September and post-season surgery.
McDonald injured his ankle in the preliminary final against Port Adelaide but was declared fit enough to play in the grand final, however was ultimately subbed out from the contest when Brisbane pulled away and as his ankle's condition detriorated.
The former Pick 4 underwent surgery in the off-season and has since faced a slow uphill battle to recovery. With a full return to training delayed, coach Dean Cox suggested McDonald may not be available for the Swans' early March matchup with Hawthorn.
"Unfortunately he suffered the ankle injury towards the back end of the year and he fought through that. He had surgery and has taken a little bit longer than we would have liked," Cox toldย AFL.com.au.
"One thing with Logan and any player, the start is Opening Round for the season. But I'm not going to rush any player to get to Opening Round if they're not ready and put them at risk for the longevity of the season.
"My [view] is whenever his start date comes, he'll be fit and ready to go for the rest of the season."
Cox was unable to give a timeframe on his recovery, leaving the return date a mystery as McDonald strives for full fitness.
"He'll meet with the surgeon on Monday again and have another scan and that continually progresses," Cox said.
"He's back running and doing some big running sessions and he'll join the playing group soon.
"A timeframe we can't give until after we get the Monday scan."
McDonald's expected sideline stint could see key defender Tom McCartin thrust forward as a replacement, with the 25-year-old trialled for a position change immediately after Cox took the coaching reins from John Longmire.
McCartin began his career with swings forward, kicking 28 goals from his first 48 games, but has not kicked a score since Round 13, 2020. However, Cox believes he has the "engine" to be utilised as a fresh point of difference when required.
"What I said to the players when they all got back was, individually and collectively, I want some adaptability in our team and a point of difference at times," Cox said.
"So if something is needed, we don't just do it on game day without them knowing or experiencing it through training blocks.
"Tom is one of those players.
"I really like the way he attacks the footy, he's got a huge engine, and it adds a bit of a point of difference to the forward line whether it's through outlets or inside-50 work.
"Also, he's been at the football club for seven years now and it actually stimulates the players to learn ahead of the ball what forwards want and vice versa.
"We want to make sure there's multiple players we're doing that with and Tom's one of them."
Sydney will first play an unofficial scratch match against cross-town rival GWS, before they travel to Gold Coast to play their Community Series fixture. Their encounter with the Hawks is dated for the first primetime Friday night match of the season on March 7.
