Sydney’s double superstar blow has been confirmed, with gun midfield pair Errol Gulden and Isaac Heeney to both miss Round 2’s blockbuster opener against Hawthorn.
While Heeney suffered no structural damage to his hamstring last week against Brisbane, with a five-day break he hasn’t been risked by the Swans, with optimism he’ll be available after their Round 3 bye.
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The smooth-moving Gulden meanwhile will miss up to four months after undergoing shoulder surgery this week, the club opting for the best long-term option rather than risking repeat dislocations if he tried to play through the issue.
The pair are replaced by Corey Warner and Caiden Cleary, with the Swans opting for pace by leaving three talls as their emergency options.
The Hawks are unchanged from the side that demolished Essendon in Round 1, as Sam Mitchell persists with a two-ruck setup featuring Ned Reeves and Lloyd Meek.
Hayden McLean or Peter Ladhams could be a late inclusion to counter the pair for Dean Cox’s side.
The rest of the Round 2 teams will be announced Thursday 6:20pm.
See the latest team news on the six remaining games here in Team Tips.
Bevo silent on potential Butters meeting | 01:16
ROUND 2 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (All times AEDT)
HAWTHORN v SYDNEY SWANS
Thursday March 19, 7:30pm at the MCG
HAWKS
B: J.Scrimshaw, T.Barrass, J.Impey
HB: J.Battle, J.Sicily, B.Hardwick
C: D.Moore, C.Mackenzie, K.Amon
HF: J.Ginnivan, C.Nash, N.Watson
F: S.Butler, M.Lewis, J.Gunston
FOLL: L.Meek, J.Newcombe – C, J.Weddle
I/C: M.D’Ambrosio, J.Ward, N.Reeves, C.Macdonald, M.Chol
EMG: H.Morrison, C.Dear, M.Hill
No changes
SWANS
B: L.Melican, T.McCartin, C.Mills – C
HB: S.Wicks, N.Blakey, R.Bice
C: J.Serong, J.McInerney, M.Roberts
HF: M.Rosas, J.Jordon, Co.Warner
F: J.Amartey, T.Papley, C.Curnow
FOLL: B.Grundy, J.Rowbottom, Ch.Warner
I/C: D.Rampe, A.Sheldrick, C.Cleary, J.Lloyd, L.McDonald
EMG: J.Hamling, P.Ladhams, H.McLean
In: – Co.Warner, C.Cleary
Out: – I.Heeney (Injured), E.Gulden (Injured)
ADELAIDE CROWS v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Friday March 20, 7:40pm at Adelaide Oval
CROWS
TBA Thursday evening
BULLDOGS
TBA Thursday evening
RICHMOND v GOLD COAST SUNS
Saturday March 21, 1:15pm at the MCG
TIGERS
TBA Thursday evening
SUNS
TBA Thursday evening
GWS GIANTS v ST KILDA
Saturday March 21, 4:15pm at ENGIE Stadium
GIANTS
TBA Thursday evening
SAINTS
TBA Thursday evening
FREMANTLE v MELBOURNE
Saturday March 21, 7:35pm at Optus Stadium
DOCKERS
TBA Thursday evening
DEMONS
TBA Thursday evening
PORT ADELAIDE v ESSENDON
Sunday March 22, 3:15pm at Adelaide Oval
POWER
TBA Thursday evening
BOMBERS
TBA Thursday evening
WEST COAST EAGLES v NORTH MELBOURNE
Sunday March 22, 6:10pm at Optus Stadium
EAGLES
TBA Thursday evening
KANGAROOS
TBA Thursday evening
BYE: Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Geelong