Sydney Swans dealt massive Taylor Adams blow as midfield injury crisis worsens

Sydney midfielder Taylor Adams has been ruled out for the first month of the AFL season, joining a growing list of Swans on the sideline. Luke Parker is also set to miss the next month of action after breaking his arm in the final quarter of the Swans' match simulation against the GWS Giants last week.

On Saturday, scans revealed Adams sustained a medial ligament strain during the Swans' practice match against the Brisbane Lions on Thursday. A major coup from Collingwood in the off-season, Adams injured his knee in an awkward Cam Rayner tackle.

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Adams impressed in his first hit-out in the red and white on Thursday before the tackle forced him off. He joins the growing list of Swans midfielders who have picked up long-term injuries, with Callum Mills (elbow) and Parker (broken arm) also ruled out for the start of the season.

Adams along with Melbourne premiership player James Jordon were recruited to Sydney in the off-season to boost their midfield. Dual All-Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy was Sydney's headline acquisition after his partnership with Max Gawn didn't go to plan at the Demons last year. He will be expected to lead the decimated Swans midfield for the start of the season.

Sydney's lack of midfield depth was a key issue that the staff worked to address in the off-season and Adams's injury could not have come at a worse time ahead of the new campaign. He is expected to spend at least a month on the sidelines as is Parker who underwent surgery last Friday after breaking his arm.

Callum Mills backs Errol Gulden to shine in depleted Swans midfield

Mills isn't expected back until mid-campaign after injuring his shoulder while wrestling a teammate during Mad Monday last year. But the Sydney captain remains confident about the Swans' chances.

"We've got a lot of experience there now and we're really bullish that we've got a really deep midfield as well," Mills said. In the absence of Mills, Parker and Adams, young star Errol Gulden is expected to take on extra responsibility after finishing fourth in last year's Brownlow Medal count.

Gulden was best-on-ground in last year's elimination final loss to Carlton, with the 21-year-old putting the side on his back as he almost managed to help the Swans to an upset win, and Mills is confident he can shine in the absence of three of the Swans' biggest names.

"He's constantly improving, he wants to get the best out of himself," Mills said. "He's taking the next step with his leadership as well. We don't need Errol to be the best player in the world, we just need him to do his job and he does that over and over again."

The Swans open their AFL season against the Melbourne Demons next Thursday and will be missing some key leaders. As well as injuries to Parker, Mills and Adams, they will also be without Buddy Franklin who retired from the AFL last season.

with AAP

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