Sydney forward Sam Reid has been ruled out for the remainder of the season

Another massive injury blow at the Sydney Swans has added another hurdle to keeping their stunning run of finals appearances alive.

Sam Reid Photo by Phil Hillyard

Veteran star Lance Franklin will have to carry the bulk of Sydney’s forward load for the rest of 2023 after Sam Reid’s season was ended by hamstring surgery.

Reid had failed to get on the park through the opening eight rounds after injuring his hamstring in the Swan’s final pre-season match and had been working on an extended rehabilitation program.

But persistent symptoms continued to hamper any progression and the club opted for surgery which will have a rehabilitation period of five months, ruling the 30-year-old key forward out for the remainder of the season.

“We had hoped Sam could return from his injury and avoid surgery, but unfortunately it became apparent last week that wasn’t the case,” Sydney football manager, Charlie Gardiner said.

“The initial injury was not straightforward and we wanted to ensure we explored all possible options for Sam to return as quickly as possible.

“Sam has done everything in his power and worked exceptionally hard to get back to play, so it’s incredibly disappointing for him and the club that he will miss the season.

Sam Reid and Lance Franklin playing together during the pre-season Photo by Phil Hillyard

“The initial feedback is that the surgery went well. He will start recovery immediately and will continue to help develop our emerging tall forwards through the remainder of the season.”

The Swans sit in 11th spot on the AFL ladder with just three wins from eight games having made last year’s Grand Final, with injuries compounding the problems. The Swans have only missed the finals three times since 2002.

Reid joins fellow forward Joel Amartey on the injury list leaving 36-year-old Franklin, who has kicked just seven goals in five games this season, and Logan McDonald to carry the load.

Co-captain Dane Rampe remains sidelined with a neck injury while key defender Paddy McCartin has been completing “light aerobic exercise” as part of his recovery from concussion.

He is continuing to see external specialists as part of his recovery as the club makes his wellbeing the number one priority.

Originally published as Sydney forward Sam Reid has been ruled out for the remainder of the season