/ (min cost $ 0 ) or signup to continue reading First (8-1) The Swans' premiership defence has gone relatively smoothly except for a hiccup against the Roos who were able to inflict a hefty 50-point defeat in round 6 with both sides missing key players. Despite having plenty of injuries the Swans' superior depth has kept them from being exposed so far. Young gun and dual best and fairest Kyle Cooper has missed four matches while prized recruit Luke Daly will miss the remainder of the season with a torn PCL.
Clever forward Ethan Boxall has also missed the past three matches and is yet to return to his brilliant best after missing last season with an ankle injury. Despite sitting on top of the ladder, the Swans can still slip to as low as fourth depending on the results of return clashes against Beechworth, Kiewa-Sandy Creek and Yackandandah. They will start slight favourites against the Bushrangers at home but slight underdogs against the Roos and Hawks when they have to travel.
They only play Wahgunyah and Dederang-Mt Beauty once which could prove costly if percentage decides the top-three. Can only afford to drop one match in the run home to be guaranteed a double chance. Second (15-3) Mark Doolan still remains pivotal to the Swans and their main avenue to goal.
Any injury to the star veteran during finals would be a dagger in the heart to their hopes of a three-peat. The Swans still boast a formidable list although you can mount an argument it's not as strong as the past tw.