By Malcolm Conn
Swans coach John Longmire admits the loss of livewire small forward Tom Papley for at least a month has left a hole that no single player can fill.
Out with an ankle injury that will keep him sidelined until at least the start of the finals, the explosive Papley is equal second on the Swans’ goalkicking list with 30 and has been an important dynamo when thrown into the midfield.
“We’re working through it at the moment,” Longmire said ahead of Sunday’s match against the Western Bulldogs at the SCG. “It’s like any top-line player, you don’t automatically replace them with like-for-like.
“So we have to think through that and come up with a solution. It’s just not always one for one, one in, one out. It doesn’t really work that way, it’s about the system.”
With captain Callum Mills and Luke Parker back to bolster the midfield after long-term injury and suspension the Swans have the option of pushing Isaac Heeney forward again, where he has spent much of the past few seasons. Heeney has 23 goals this year playing predominantly as a midfielder.
However, Longmire warned about a robbing Peter to pay Paul scenario.
“It does give you that opportunity, but Parksey [Parker] can play forward as well,” the coach said. “We’re also mindful that Isaac’s been really good for us in the midfield.
“So without [Justin] McInerney, and Mills just coming back into form and fitness, his [Heeney’s] ability to do what he does in the midfield is also strong.”
Tom Papley is helped from the Gabba after suffering an ankle injury last Sunday.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
McInerney will miss at least another week with a knee injury while key defender Dane Rampe has a tight calf which will keep him out for at least a week. Rampe and Papley were both ruled out before half-time during last Sunday’s two-point loss to Brisbane at the Gabba.
The Swans are still two wins and a huge percentage clear at the top of the ladder despite losing three of their past four matches, albeit by a total of five points. However they are being challenged by a lengthening injury list.
Defensive midfielder James Robottom, who missed last Sunday’s match with a cheek bone injury, and Will Hayward, who struggled through Sunday’s game with an injured ankle, must both pass fitness tests before being selected to play against the Bulldogs.
“Every team goes through some challenges at different times with key personnel missing,” Longmire said. “It’s our opportunity to make the most of that challenge now. That’s just part of football.”
Versatile key position player Sam Reid, 32, announced his retirement on Tuesday after suffering a serious hamstring injury playing for the Swans reserves last Saturday.
The injury-plagued 2012 premiership player was hoping to force his way back into the senior side to finish his career on a high after being named an emergency ahead of the Brisbane match.
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