Resource Rusty's 2025 List - Weekly Injury, Thoughts and Stats

[JackHiscoxWasFast]

What an injury report before the season has started?
If we manage to win our first few it seams by about round 4-6 we should have most back.

I attempted to name my best 23.
I resisted moving Lloyd back moving him from his best position on the wing(gave that to Corey)and playing Paton instead. However, I wanted both Sheldrick and Corey playing in the mids. Hanily sub.
Somone on here amongst you weather boffins said it would be greasy underfoot if not wet. So I went smaller. Could play Corey forward instead of one of the talls but if Grundy is suspect I wanted McLean to pitch in as ruck to rest Grundy.

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Such a fine piece of analysis as always Rusty , cheers

 

[SydneyBlood]

I'd have just about the same players. I could possibly see them flip Jordon and Adams based on where they have mainly played in pre-season. Adams at half forward and Jordon in the mids.

I too would like to keep Lloyd on a wing. Potentially they could put McInerney at halfback to keep Lloyd on the wing. Less likely though I think.

 

[Kiama Chris]

I'd have just about the same players. I could possibly see them flip Jordon and Adams based on where they have mainly played in pre-season. Adams at half forward and Jordon in the mids.

I too would like to keep Lloyd on a wing. Potentially they could put McInerney at halfback to keep Lloyd on the wing. Less likely though I think.

I think they drop back when under attack so both are behind the ball.

 

[Cadsky]

Always enjoy reading this thread rustycrate. Keep up the good work

 

[rustycrate]

Round 0(yes it is stupid)

In the year of The Point To Prove


Debuts for Swans:
Hanily
Paton

Sub
Hanily

My thoughts for the game
Win.
Sheldrick to have a blinder.
Wicks to be involved in 4 scoring involvements from back pocket.
Heeney to continue his great form from last year.
Warner to impose himself on the game.

Swans by Plenty.

 

[SydneyBlood]

Nice one Rusty. Based on how they've set up so far, it's been Adams forward and Jordon in the mids.

Curious to see how they shuffle the players around who can play a variety of inside mid/wing/forward.

 

[rustycrate]

Nice one Rusty. Based on how they've set up so far, it's been Adams forward and Jordon in the mids.

Curious to see how they shuffle the players around who can play a variety of inside mid/wing/forward.

and Adams has been very good forward too.

 

[rustycrate]

Opening Round 0 Post Game Injury Update

Injury Suspension Toll
14 players either injured or suspended.
3 players are a test for this weekends Round 1. Snell, Edwards and Bowman. None have debuted for a game yet in the Ones.

Adams the only player that played the opening round to be injured. Maybe Mitchell gets a gig. McLean/Ladhams could play too.

 

[rustycrate]

Round 1 Pre Game

Sub
Bice

Commentary
Interesting is that we need some inside mid injection with the loss of Adams and we exit Sheldrick from the side. Yes he didn't set the world on fire but neither did a few others. He has to now go back and prove he deserves a spot in the side. That is life in the best AFL side.

BTW with Bice as sub wouldn't it be better to have Sheldrick. Seems a dumb choice of sub. Maybe his form warrants it.

Injury List
How long is it?

The Game
Can Florent add some midfield grunt to blunt the Lions inside bulls.
Heeney, Rowbottom need some help. I think JJ will go to Neale. JJ will be around.

McInerney needs to lift. Has been disappointing to me.

Hamling down back will enable a few defenders.

 

[rustycrate]

Round 1 Post Game Injury Update

My thoughts​

Paton may be replaced by Bice who was sub last week but impressed when he came on.
Melican out will see another tall come in as detailed below.
McInerney out could see Florent play more forward and/or allow Sheldrick or Cleary or Mitchell a spot. I don't think they will move Roberts. He is going too well.

We have been hit by injuries and this is testing the sides depth. This is good and bad.
The good is we are getting a look at playerson the fringe. Some are taking their chances and may make it hard for incumbents to autmatically come back into the side. Corey and Bice are two such players. Hamling has also not disgraced.
The bad is we are 0-2.

I don't mind us blooding players and seeing fringe players stake their claims to a starting position in the 23. I hope come finals time we have an expanded squad and real competition for spots for fit players only. Resting players throughout the year becomes a palitable option.
But we have to start winning first.

In the mix​

The loss of Melican could force an end to the Tom McCartin experiment up forward, with Hayden McLean an option to fill a hole having gotten through a VFL hit-out last week. Peter Ladhams and Aaron Francis (who is recovering from concussion) could also be considered as tall options, while Joel Hamling impressed last week and should hold his spot. McInerney's suspension means at least seven of Sydney's best 22 will miss the trip to Perth and opens the door for Angus Sheldrick to regain his spot. Riley Bice, who impressed as the sub on debut last week, could come into the starting side in defence and allow the likes of Ollie Florent, Jake Lloyd and even Matt Roberts to spend more time up the ground. – Martin Smith

 

[rustycrate]

Round 2 Pre Game Update

My thoughts
Shattered Sheldrick is sub.
Lots of talls in the front half.

I don't understand these stupid selections.

Enough said.

 

[rustycrate]

Round 2 PostGame Injury Update

My Thoughts
Most except for Fox(an extra week) should be available after the bye except for Gulden, Datolli and Andrew who are listed as TBC.
Cleary knocking the door down.

In the mix​

With a pressure-relieving win over Fremantle behind them and a week off ahead, things are looking much brighter for the Swans. McDonald is a chance to be available again after the bye, while Mills, Melican, Cunningham, Adams and Fox shouldn't be far behind. Gulden is set to see the surgeon in the next fortnight, where his return to play timeline will become clearer. Brodie Grundy will enjoy the week off after handling the majority of the ruck work so far this season, while Caiden Cleary made a statement in the VFL on the weekend, picking up 37 disposals in his first game since his drug ban ended. – Martin Smith

 

[Kiama Chris]

Round 2 PostGame Injury Update

My Thoughts
Most except for Fox(an extra week) should be available after the bye except for Gulden, Datolli and Andrew who are listed as TBC.
Cleary knocking the door down.

In the mix​

With a pressure-relieving win over Fremantle behind them and a week off ahead, things are looking much brighter for the Swans. McDonald is a chance to be available again after the bye, while Mills, Melican, Cunningham, Adams and Fox shouldn't be far behind. Gulden is set to see the surgeon in the next fortnight, where his return to play timeline will become clearer. Brodie Grundy will enjoy the week off after handling the majority of the ruck work so far this season, while Caiden Cleary made a statement in the VFL on the weekend, picking up 37 disposals in his first game since his drug ban ended. – Martin Smith



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Thanks Rusty.
Given that Logan, Mills and Cunningham have been off their feet for a while I reckon a couple of games in the 2s to pick up match fitness might be the go. Melican probably has a better fitness base. Adams and Fox coming back to the 2s most likely anyway.

 

[rustycrate]

Thanks Rusty.
Given that Logan, Mills and Cunningham have been off their feet for a while I reckon a couple of games in the 2s to pick up match fitness might be the go. Melican probably has a better fitness base. Adams and Fox coming back to the 2s most likely anyway.

I agree. Some will need some Ressies time even if not for match fitness but for touch.
I hope Cox is going to be fair and make everyone coming back to earn their spot. No early passes for Mills and co. Do what Cleary did on the weekend and you are available for selection.

 

[Cadsky]

I agree. Some will need some Ressies time even if not for match fitness but for touch.
I hope Cox is going to be fair and make everyone coming back to earn their spot. No early passes for Mills and co. Do what Cleary did on the weekend and you are available for selection.

I agree, but given how many games our standalone skipper has missed the last two years I've got no doubts they will bring him straight in and let him build match fitness in the team. I don't agree with it, but I'd be far more surprised if he didn't.

 

[Kiama Chris]

I agree, but given how many games our standalone skipper has missed the last two years I've got no doubts they will bring him straight in and let him build match fitness in the team. I don't agree with it, but I'd be far more surprised if he didn't.

Maybe not. So far he has experimented with Tom but changed when he had to, played Papley a bit sore but otherwise I think his selections have displayed integrity. The ones that will get interesting may come a little later given the good jobs that the "fill-ins" have done.

 

[rustycrate]

Round 3 Injury Update

Unavailable
10 injuries (last week 12)
1 suspension (last week 1)

My Thoughts​

Papley Out. Caiden in?.
Straight swap. It was a good win against Frematle in Frematle. The side has been travelling well and playing well without being sensational. With up to 8 first choice players injured this is not disgraceful. Especially against Hawthorn, Brisbane and Fremantle in Fremantle. A tough 3 games.
1 change is all that is needed.

McDonald available after a long period off. Give him a run in the 2s. Should he displace McLean? Probably not. What will Cox do?

Hope they are not rusty (no pun intended) after a week off. Looking forward to another good game from Bice to cement? his place in the side. Hamling a regular? Wicks a regular down back? Co Warner a regular in the mids? Ladhams a regular with no brain fades? The licorice allsorts Swans returning to the winning list?

Let's wait until Saturday night and see.

In the mix​

Papley will miss at least this week's match against North Melbourne due to a heel injury suffered at training last week, with his return date still unclear. Adams, Mills and Fox were expected to be 1-2 weeks away but have all had notable setbacks in their recoveries. Adams will now be out for up to six weeks, Mills is now 2-3 weeks away from resuming full training again and Fox is going to have a fortnight off before resuming his rehab. Logan McDonald, however, will be available for selection against the Kangaroos after recovering from an ankle issue that has hampered him since late last year. Whether the West Australian returns to the forward line or takes up a spot in defence is also a matter of intrigue, as is the flow-on effect for TomMcCartin, who shifted back for the win over Fremantle. Caiden Cleary could also be considered for a senior recall this week, possibly in place of Papley, after picking up 37 disposals in the VFL two weeks ago. Gulden is set to meet with his surgeon next week, with AFL.com.aureporting a return around the mid-season bye is looking likely. – Martin Smith

 

[rustycrate]

Round 4 Pre Game Update

Ins
Caiden Cleary
Outs
Papley

Sub
Sheldrick

My Thoughts
Sheldrick full game would have been more beneficial v Hanily IMO.

 

[rustycrate]

Round 4 Injury Update

Unavailable
9 injuries (last week 10)
1 Recovery : Snell
1 suspension (last week 1)

My Thoughts​

Cunningham a test. Does he replace Wicks who has played very well?
Melican a test, Does he replace Hamling who has not disgraced? The likely change.
Logan is fit but is to remain in the VFL apparently.

The new incumbents in Bice, Hanily and Cleary have done enough to stay in the side.

Sheldrick the sub again or maybe he gets rotated into the team at the expense of Hanily or Cleary.

Can see an unchanged side. Can also see Melican and Cunningham coming into the side.

In the mix​

Logan McDonald impressed in the VFL last week, kicking three goals and playing high up the ground at times, so he looks set to return to face Collingwood, likely in place of Peter Ladhams. His exact role will be a fascinating watch, however, as Dean Cox continues to adjust his tall set-up at both ends of the ground. Melican will likely replace Joel Hamling if he passes a fitness test, while the squeeze will be on for spots if Cunningham is also passed fit given Riley Bice has slotted into the side seamlessly in his absence. Angus Sheldrick could drop out of the 23 again while Tom Hanily and Caiden Cleary could be vulnerable as the reinforcements arrive in coming weeks, despite both producing solid performances so far this season. Mills is still 2-3 weeks away after his recent setback, while the short-term future of Fox is uncertain at this stage. The Swans have confirmed Gulden should be available around the mid-season bye after receiving a positive update from his surgeon last week. – Martin Smith

 

[Kiama Chris]

Round 4 Injury Update

Unavailable
9 injuries (last week 10)
1 Recovery : Snell
1 suspension (last week 1)

My Thoughts​

Cunningham a test. Does he replace Wicks who has played very well?
Melican a test, Does he replace Hamling who has not disgraced? The likely change.
Logan is fit but is to remain in the VFL apparently.

The new incumbents in Bice, Hanily and Cleary have done enough to stay in the side.

Sheldrick the sub again or maybe he gets rotated into the team at the expense of Hanily or Cleary.

Can see an unchanged side. Can also see Melican and Cunningham coming into the side.

In the mix​

Logan McDonald impressed in the VFL last week, kicking three goals and playing high up the ground at times, so he looks set to return to face Collingwood, likely in place of Peter Ladhams. His exact role will be a fascinating watch, however, as Dean Cox continues to adjust his tall set-up at both ends of the ground. Melican will likely replace Joel Hamling if he passes a fitness test, while the squeeze will be on for spots if Cunningham is also passed fit given Riley Bice has slotted into the side seamlessly in his absence. Angus Sheldrick could drop out of the 23 again while Tom Hanily and Caiden Cleary could be vulnerable as the reinforcements arrive in coming weeks, despite both producing solid performances so far this season. Mills is still 2-3 weeks away after his recent setback, while the short-term future of Fox is uncertain at this stage. The Swans have confirmed Gulden should be available around the mid-season bye after receiving a positive update from his surgeon last week. – Martin Smith

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Reckon Martin doesn't know very much.
Cox has said Logan not playing.
My thoughts: No change in the 22 unless Sheldrick swaps in and either Corey or Hanily swaps out.
Grundy and Ladhams to give Cameron a hammering. McCartin and Hamling have their talls covered. Their smalls the most dangerous.
If Moore zones off it will hurt them.
Swans by 24 or better.

 

[rustycrate]

After Round 7 Injury Report

Apologies​

I haven't posted in this thread for a little while because I have been disillusioned.

Unavailability​

12 injuries ​

Recoveries : None announced​

0 suspensions​

Bedford's Predictions for Round 8 (see this weeks GWS game thread)​

Campbell to back pocket to replace Paton who replaced Wicks who replaced Cunningham.
Ladhams out replaced by Buller.
Sheldrick in to replace Paton out and play forward in Campbell's position.

My Thoughts​

Wicks is a test could thwart Bedford's predictions above and my hopes for a Sheldrick in.
Sheldrick has been posting big possessions in the 2's.
Buller has been kicking goals in the 2's.
When your side is not playing well you get some solace from seeing your young players playing well.
Here's to strong games from Sheldrick and Buller.

In the mix​

With Sydney's injury list reaching 12 players and almost a third of its senior list, coach Dean Cox

Dean Cox

Age

43

Ht

203cm

Wt

107kg

Pos.

F/R

Career

Season

Last 5

D

15.9

4star

K

8.9

3star

HB

6.9

4star

M

5.3

5star

T

1.5

3star

G

0.6

4star

No current season stats available

D

13.0

4star

K

5.8

3star

HB

7.2

5star

M

4.8

5star

T

1.4

4star

G

0.0

1star

has precious few levers to pull at the selection table. Angus Sheldrick continues to be a standout at VFL level and could return for face GWS, while Wicks is a test after missing last week with a calf issue. McDonald will meet more specialists this week and he may require surgery having suffered a stress fracture of his fibula. After a long absence, Mills will aim to complete team training this week after falling short of that marker last week. The club says he's a week-to-week proposition. - Martin Smith