3 minute read

Sydney's ruck depth was the envy of the AFL in 2016 but it's since dwindled, for a range of reasons.

HOW THE SWANS' RUCK DEPTH DWINDLED IN RECENT YEARS

*Kurt Tippett. Underwent ankle reconstruction then announced his immediate retirement, two months prior to the start of the 2018 season.

*Toby Nankervis. Was an emergency for the 2016 grand final then requested a trade to Richmond, who he helped win a premiership for in 2017.

*Sam Naismith. Underwent a knee reconstruction that forced him to miss the entire 2018 season, now training but a long way off an AFL return.

*Callum Sinclair. Dislocated his shoulder in round 15, will miss at least three games but could be out for the rest of the season.

*Darcy Cameron. Highly-rated youngster debuted last year; knee and quad injuries have stalled his progress in 2019.

*Michael Knoll. Recruited via this year's mid-season draft but still learning the game. No certainty to be called up this weekend.

*Aliir Aliir. The defender was thrown into the role of pinch-hitting ruckman after Sinclair's setback and is likely to start in the middle against Essendon.