Sydney Swans sweating on the availability of Kurt Tippett

THE Sydney Swans will be without ruckman Kurt Tippett and defender Callum Mills for Saturday’s semi-final against the Adelaide Crows.

Kurt Tippett suffered a head knock on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

THE Sydney Swans will be without ruckman Kurt Tippett and defender Callum Mills for Saturday’s semi-final against the Adelaide Crows.

Scans have revealed Tippett suffered a non displaced, hairline fracture to his jaw in last night’s match against GWS.

He will consult a specialist on Monday to determine the best course of action.

Meanwhile Mills, who left the ground injured during the second quarter, has also had scans which have revealed a grade one (lowest grade) hamstring strain.

Sydney football boss Tom Harley told the Herald Sun on Sunday morning that Tippett’s jaw was a concern after a heavy hit in the first half.

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The Swans were clearly worried about structural damage to their ruck/forward and whether he could carry it in a game only six days away.

Kurt Tippett is in danger of missing this week’s final against Adelaide. Picture: Toby Zerna

Tippett played out the game after an early collision with Callan Ward and Shane Mumford but was pictured in the rooms after a concussion test barely able to get his mouthguard in.

Players are able to play with small cracks in their jaw but his loss against Adelaide’s fleet of talls would be a massive blow to Sydney’s hopes.

Harley said the Swans would know more about the specifics of his injury on Monday.

“We will see the doctors tomorrow and see how he has pulled up. He is a bit sore. He got that knock in the ruck contest but played out the game.

“That fact he kept playing is a really positive sign. It is only midday Sunday so it’s too early to make calls.”

Callum Mills injured his hamstring on Saturday. Picture: Toby Zerna

“He had some scans today and we will know a bit more but it was a pretty brave effort to play out the game.”

Tippett was involved in a potential sling tackle later after being dragged to the ground by Shane Mumford but seemed to escape further damage.

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Josh Kennedy pulled up well from his collision with Steve Johnson, with the Swans adamant they followed correct concussion protocols.

Sydney’s NEAFL team plays Sunday, with Zach Jones, Jeremy Laidler, Harry Cunningham and Dean Towers all contending for Mills’ vacant spot.

Originally published as Sydney Swans sweating on the availability of Kurt Tippett