Sydney Swans midfielder Justin McInerney will miss at least eight weeks, and potentially up to ten, after suffering a hamstring injury during the club's narrow two-point victory over St Kilda. The setback occurred late in the first half when McInerney was forced from the field with hamstring tightness.
The 24-year-old had been in outstanding form, stepping up in the absence of injured star Errol Gulden. His absence is a significant blow for the second-placed Swans, who currently hold an 11-2 record. Gulden, who has not played since round one due to a shoulder injury, is hopeful of returning in round 16.
Key defender Tom McCartin will also be sidelined after suffering another concussion against St Kilda. He joins Lewis Melican (hamstring), Dane Rampe (calf), Tom Papley (calf), and Braeden Campbell (shin) on the injury list. Taylor Adams is a test to return from a hamstring injury and an off-season Achilles tear, though he has not played at AFL level since round 13 last year.
Fit-again key forward Logan McDonald is a potential option for coach Dean Cox, having already spent time in the midfield as injury cover against the Saints. McDonald said, 'It's something that's been spoken about, me doing that over the last six months at times. I have spent little snippets over there of my career here and there on the wing, but it was probably the first full-blown crack I had at it.'
McDonald is nearing his best form after missing all of last season due to two surgeries. He underwent ankle surgery after the 2024 grand final loss to Brisbane and later suffered a stress fracture in his fibula after his second VFL match. He has since played all 13 games in 2026, kicking 22 goals to help the Swans sit second behind Fremantle (12-1).
McDonald's Aerial Work and Confidence
McDonald prides himself on his aerial ability and credits teammates Joel Amartey and Charlie Curnow for helping him rediscover his confidence. 'Every training session, I pretty much work on it - that's probably the most important thing for modern-day key forwards,' he said. 'And I've got two of the best at the club in Joel and Charlie, and then as well going against Tommy McCartin, who's so good at it at the other end of the ground. So, flogging myself against them at training is only going to make me better, and I'm starting to see a bit of results now.'
The Swans have already converted recruit Jai Serong into a winger, with the former Hawthorn defender kicking the match-winner against St Kilda. McDonald added, 'It helps that we won and I was able to get a little bit of the ball, but I'll just do whatever the coaches need.'
With McInerney and McCartin out, Sydney faces a challenge to maintain their strong form, but the return of Gulden and the emergence of McDonald provide some optimism.
