Swans hopeful Papley will play round one despite hamstring strain

Sydney forward Tom Papley will miss the club’s final hitout before round one due to a hamstring strain he suffered in last week’s practice match against Greater Western Sydney.

The Swans play North Melbourne in the AAMI Community Series at Giants Stadium on Sunday with their season opener against GWS to be played on Saturday, March 19, 22 days after he was injured.

Tom Papley is in doubt for round one.Credit:AFL Photos

They remain hopeful Papley will be available to play in round one but concede his readiness will depend on his progress through the rehabilitation.

Papley kicked 43 goals and played every game last season as the Swans charged into the finals only to lose the elimination final to the Giants by a point.

He will be a critical player against the Giants as he plays alongside Lance Franklin who remains just five goals short of the 1000-goal milestone.

The Swans’ newly appointed co-captain Callum Mills remains in some doubt for round one due to a niggling Achilles injury, while the Swans put unlucky ruckman Sam Naismith on the inactive list as he continues to recover from a third knee reconstruction.

The Giants will be without forward power – Toby Greene is suspended and Brent Daniels will be missing with a Lisfranc foot fracture.

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