Time to Take Action: Damien Hardwick Calls for Change as Sydney Faces Yet Another Injury Setback

Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has urged the AFL to reconsider its scheduling after a pre-season marred by injuries.

During Friday night’s match against the Swans, his team saw Mac Andrew exit within the first 10 seconds due to a heavy hit from Taylor Adams. Charlie Ballard, David Swallow, and Lachie Weller also fell victim to injuries throughout the game.

Meanwhile, the Swans will be without their star midfielder Errol Gulden for an extended period following a fractured ankle.

Gulden sustained the injury midway through the first quarter when his left ankle was trapped under Will Graham during a tackle. He was visibly in pain as he was assisted off the field and did not return for the remainder of the match.

On Saturday afternoon, the Swans announced that Gulden would require surgery on Sunday, although they did not provide a timeline for his return, with reports suggesting he could be out for several months.

The Swans will kick off their 2025 campaign against the Hawks at the SCG next Friday night.

“We need to improve, and it’s tough. Round zero is upon us and then some teams have two weeks off,” he said to Fox Footy.

“We need to put our heads together and determine how to tighten things up.”

“Sydney can’t return home tonight as they play next Friday; they’re stuck here.”

“We really must enhance the scheduling. The AFL has a single responsibility; let’s get this sorted.”

Additionally, the Swans will start the season without their captain Callum Mills, who has been diagnosed with a tear in his plantar fascia.

In other injury news, the Bulldogs will be missing Marcus Bontempelli for at least six weeks, while the Tigers will have to cope without Dion Prestia. Rookie Carlton draft pick Jagga Smith has also sustained a season-ending ACL injury last weekend.

The Swans emerged victorious with a score of 12.12 (84) to 8.15 (63).