Sam Wicks will miss two weeks after Sydney accepted his ban for a high bump

Sam Wicks copped a two-match ban from the MRO, now the Swans have decided if they’ll go to the tribunal. Plus a host of stars are closing in on a return from injury.

Sam Wicks of the Swans handpasses the ball during the 2023 AFL Round 14 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Sydney Swans at the Gabba on June 16, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Sydney Swans have accepted the two-match ban handed down to Sam Wicks following his high bump on Brisbane’s Ryan Lester.

Wicks was charged with striking during the second quarter of Sydney’s loss to the Lions, the MRO assessing the incident as careless conduct, high impact and high contact.

The Swans considered appealing the grading of the impact to try and get the suspension downgraded to just one week but opted against it. Wicks will now miss the next two games against West Coast and Geelong, both at the SCG.

Isaac Heeney missed the loss to the Lions through concussion protocols after reporting delayed symptoms, but with an extra week should take his place against the Eagles.

Isaac Heeney could return for the Swans after being managed through concussion protocols. Picture: Phil Hillyard

It should be a similar story for Buddy Franklin who was ruled out of the match with knee soreness. He will likely come back into the side at the expense of Jack Buller, who impressed in patches but only finished with two touches on his debut.

Of the other players on their injury list, Tom McCartin is the closest for a return after recommencing full skills training. Callum Mills had a modified program last week but will be reintegrated into first-team training before the Eagles clash.

Logan McDonald and Peter Ladhams are at least another fortnight away as they slowly build up their volume of training.

The GWS Giants go into the bye this week after a dominant win over Fremantle at home. However, Lachie Whitfield will have an extra week off after the Giants accepted his one-match ban for a dangerous tackle on Jordan Clark. He’ll miss their match against Melbourne in Alice Springs.