Latest AFL injury news, updates ahead of round 19: Tom McCartin recovering after latest concussion

Hearts were in mouths when Tom McCartin came from the field with concussion symptoms against St Kilda, but Dean Cox says the defender is on the path back to playing.

The Swans remain confident that defender Tom McCartin will return to the field sooner rather than later after he came off the ground with a concussion during last week’s win over St Kilda.

McCartin was collected high in an innocuous marking contest by Saints debutant Max Heath in the fourth quarter and ended up hitting the ground face first. There was immediate concern shown by his teammates, with Nick Blakey then leading the remonstrations with Heath.

The 25-year-old has suffered several concussions throughout his career and missed nine games in 2023 after complications with his recovery. He also missed a month of football last season after being collected high by Callum Brown in the Sydney Derby.

Tom McCartin of the Sydney Swans comes off with a possible concussion. Picture: Mark Stewart

It’s also an issue both he and the Swans have confronted before, given McCartin’s brother, Paddy, retired from the AFL in 2023 at the age of 27 as a result of the brain damage he had suffered from concussions throughout his career.

However, Swans coach Dean Cox was positive about his defender’s recovery and stated on Wednesday that he is progressing well through the concussion protocols and is symptom-free.

“He’s been really good,” Cox said. “I spoke to him as soon as it happened that night and obviously the next morning.

“He did a bike yesterday, he was doing one just before. He hasn’t had any more symptoms. So, that’s the pleasing thing. He’s been up and about, which is great for him and the footy club.

“We’ll just follow the protocols. If he keeps doing something and ticks it off, we keep progressing. So yeah, he’s upbeat about that. He’s spoken about that and just playing what’s in front of him, which is all he can do.”

While Cox wouldn’t go as far as confirming McCartin will be available for next week’s crucial Sydney Derby against the Giants, he did state that there was no concern about the defender having to rethink his long-term career as a result of the latest concussion.

“(It’s) day by day, I think that’s all he can do,” Cox said. “That would be the same if it was Isaac Heeney in protocols. We want them to progress as quickly and as safely as they possibly can, and that won’t change, no matter the person.

“We’ve been through concussions a fair bit at this footy club. We manage them as well as we possibly can, with the player’s safety first, and that hasn’t changed. We’ll just keep progressing with Tom and, yeah, he’s upbeat about getting back to play footy as soon as he possibly can.”

Dane Rampe is set to return for the Swans. Picture: Brett Costello.

In more positive news for the Swans, veteran Dane Rampe should return to take McCartin’s place in the back line for Saturday’s match against North Melbourne. The 35-year-old has rehabilitated his calf injury, and after an extra training block over the weekend, he will come straight into the team if he gets through Thursday’s main training.

Robbie Fox is also on track for a VFL return this weekend after a lengthy stint out with a concussion, while Tom Papley could be a week away from his comeback from his hamstring strain.

The Swans will be looking to make it three wins in a row for the first time this season against the Roos at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.

It’s a form line that has kept their faint finals hopes alive, even if Cox is refusing to entertain any talk about September. And while on paper this week’s task looks a lot easier after Tristan Xerri’s three-match ban for rough conduct was upheld, the Sydney coach is adamant the midfield battle against North Melbourne will remain a challenge.

“The dialogue around the whole footy club is we need to play our best footy,” Cox said. “That’s hopefully for as long as possible, but you’ve also got to focus on what’s right in front of you.

“I think their system, they’re +13 in wins from clearance, so the ability for them to do it against Melbourne last week, they were strong in that area. Is it just one person? Well, no, generally not.

“Whether it’s (Brynn) Teakle or (Callum) Coleman-Jones or anyone that comes in and does replace, they’re going to play their role for the team.”

TIGERS YOUNG GUN GOES UNDER THE KNIFE

— Lauren Wood

Richmond star Sam Lalor is going under the knife in a procedure that is hoped will never result in the same hamstring injury again.

The No. 1 pick re-injured his troublesome hamstring against Geelong in Round 17 and this masthead can reveal that after consulting with specialists, the call has been made to opt for surgery in the hope he will be ready for the beginning of preseason in November.

“We consulted a few surgeons for Sammy’s case, and there is a fairly strong consensus that surgery was required for him,” Tigers high performance boss Ben Serpell said.

Sam Lalor re-injured his troublesome hamstring against Geelong. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

“After three injuries to the same side over the last 12 months, it was clear that it was unlikely that hamstring was going to heal in that spot.

“He will undergo surgery this week and will look forward to hopefully having a quick recovery and get most of pre-season done.”

Serpell had explained at the time of the injury that it had been sustained in a “different injury mechanism” to previous issues.

“He sustained the injury in a tackle,” he said.

“I think anyone who throws their body at the game (in the same way) as he did, and credit to him for doing that, is going to put their body at some risk irrespective of their injury history.”

Originally published as Latest AFL injury news, updates ahead of round 19: Tom McCartin recovering after latest concussion