AFL 2022: Sydney Swans coach John Longmire concerned over change room footage of Paddy McCartin being shown

Footage of distressed Swans star Paddy McCartin sent speculation spinning last week and his coach isn’t happy about it.

Paddy McCartin was subbed out with concussion against Hawthorn. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Sydney Swans will talk to the AFL about the “invasive” footage that showed a distressed Paddy McCartin in the change rooms last weekend after coach John Longmire revealed he was uncomfortable with the impact it could have on a player’s family and friends.

McCartin, who missed three seasons after a series of concussion issues, will miss this week’s clash with Brisbane through concussion protocols but is ”absolutely fine”.

Longmire said the vision of his halftime distress in Hobart on Monday shouldn’t have been aired without the correct information.

The Swans also lost Logan McDonald to concussion and the absence of the tall pair should be offset by the return of Tom Papley from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since the pre-season.

Longmire said the immediate reaction to McCartin’s concussion was “inflamed by the vision” that showed his emotional reaction to being subbed out and sparked fears for his immediate and long-term future.

He said he would take the issue to the AFL having seen other instances of footage sparking unfounded speculation about injuries, including Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines who had a heart issue.

“Personally I don’t think the vision should be shown in those situations,” Longmire said on Wednesday.

“I saw Ollie Wines a few weeks ago … he had a few issues no one knew about and I didn’t think that should have been shown. I felt uncomfortable with that as well.

“I think the responsibility is to get the facts first and don’t go without any context. I think that’s maybe an issue for the AFL Players Association to take up. It’s not just about the fans, it’s about a player’s family and their friends and a whole network of people who are watching that and are impacted by the commentary and influenced by the speculation. It’s not just the general punter.

A heartbreaking shot of Paddy McCartin in the Sydney rooms after being subbed out following a head knock.

Hopefully he's OK 😢🙏 pic.twitter.com/1Qkm1BuGrB

— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 25, 2022

Wishing Paddy McCartin all the best 🙏 pic.twitter.com/jR5Lta0Ki5

— Triple M Footy (@triplemfooty) April 25, 2022

“I understand people seeing the vision before the game and in the warm-up, but in moments where you are not quite sure of the background … we have to take a deep breath and find out a few of the facts before running with it.

“He (McCartin) felt terrific, his emotion was purely based on the fact he’d been ruled out of the game and would miss a match.

“You can understand there’s a bit of anxiety with Paddy as well going into that process after what he’s been through, particularly when he feels really good.

“He understands the doctors ruled him out and we absolutely back our doctors in. That was the context behind the vision and I’m not sure too many people took that in.”

Longmire said the use of such vision “will be mentioned” to the AFL, but he didn’t expect a change.

“It’s a personal view I’ve got. It’s invasive into a player’s personal space in those moments,” he said.

“I don’t expect anything to be done about it … it would be good if it was. It would be good if it was a consideration.

“Both of them are really good and both of them felt good after the game.”

Paddy McCartin and his brother Tom after the win over Hawthorn in Hobart. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Longmire said All-Australian Papley, who hasn’t played a game in 2022, only needed to get through the rest of the week’s training to take on the Lions at the SCG.

He said Sam Reid and Lewis Melican were among those in contention to come in for McDonald and McCartin.

Longmire also said ruckman Tom Hickey was ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from a knee injury and could be back playing sooner rather than later.