Sydney have been dealt a massive blow with dynamic forward Tom Papley ruled out for the start of the AFL season.
Papley suffered a moderate hamstring injury in the Swans' practice match against GWS on Friday.
The 25-year-old will be out for four-to-six weeks, meaning he will miss at least the round one clash with the Giants at Stadium Australia on March 19.
Papley secured his first All-Australian jacket last year after booting 43 goals.
He has slotted 189 goals in 122 games after debuting in the opening round in 2016.
Sydney will be desperate to atone for their heartbreaking one-point loss against their cross-town rivals in last year's elimination final.
Increased attention will be on Lance Franklin, with the superstar veteran needing just five goals to reach 1000 majors for his career.