Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has urged the AFL to reconsider its scheduling following a pre-season marred by injuries. In their recent match against the Swans, the Suns faced a harsh start, with Mac Andrew injured just 10 seconds into the game due to a collision with Taylor Adams. The team also lost players Charlie Ballard, David Swallow, and Lachie Weller to injuries during the game.
Meanwhile, the Swans suffered a significant blow as midfield star Errol Gulden sustained a fractured ankle after being tackled by Will Graham. He was visibly in pain and had to leave the match early, missing the remainder of the game. The Swans later confirmed that Gulden would undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for several months.
With the Swans set to kick off their 2025 season against the Hawks at the SCG next Friday, Hardwick emphasised the need for better scheduling practices in the league. He pointed out the challenges teams face when matches are spaced unevenly, noting that Sydney’s inability to return home after the game complicates matters further.
“Teams need to regroup and prepare properly, but right now the scheduling puts unnecessary strain on them,” Hardwick stated. He stressed that it is crucial for the AFL to take action to resolve these issues.
In addition to Gulden, the Swans will also miss skipper Callum Mills at the start of the season due to a plantar fascia tear. Other teams are facing similar predicaments, with the Bulldogs losing Marcus Bontempelli for a minimum of six weeks and the Tigers without Dion Prestia. Furthermore, top Carlton draft prospect Jagga Smith has suffered an ACL rupture, which has sidelined him for the season.
The final score in the match saw the Swans triumph over the Suns with a score of 12.12 (84) to 8.15 (63). The growing list of injuries highlights the need for urgent attention to scheduling, as the pre-season games take a toll on player fitness and availability, prompting calls for changes from coaches and teams alike.