AFL

Swans bracing for best from injury-hit Bulldogs

Apr 21, 2026

Charlie Curnow. — A confident Swans camp will aim to make it four wins in a row against an undermanned Bulldogs side. -AAP Image

Whether AFL superstar Marcus Bontempelli plays or not, Sydney won't easily dismiss an injury-hit Western Bulldogs side.

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The ladder-leading Swans (5-1) are widely expected to get the better of an undermanned Dogs outfit, who are still reeling after a nightmare outing against Geelong.

As Sydney soared to victory over GWS in a lightning-delayed derby, the Bulldogs crashed to a 75-point defeat after losing gun forward Sam Darcy (ACL), Tom Liberatore (concussion), Rory Lobb (hamstring) and James O'Donnell (hamstring).

Question marks over a sore Bontempelli (knee) have since emerged, with Tim English (knee) and Cody Weightman (knee) still unavailable.

After starting the season with a 4-0 record, Luke Beveridge's Bulldogs (4-2) have dropped to seventh.

Cox could only label the injury carnage as "disheartening" ahead of a five-day turnaround, but refused to play mind games ahead of Thursday's clash at Marvel Stadium.

Asked if he sensed the Dogs were vulnerable, Cox on Tuesday said: "I can't really talk about how they feel.

"I think one thing I'll be preparing our players for is for them at their best and I think that's the only way you can do it.

"I'm not a part of their four walls, so I don't understand the messaging that's going through and also their availability as well.

"They might get some back - obviously, we look into Rory (Lobb), whether he plays. Is Tim (English) back playing?

"We'll control what we can, and that's about how we go about it.

"As disheartening as it is to see one of your players missing due to a season-ending injury, the calibre of that list and squad is really deep and we expect them at their best."

Cox confirmed veteran defender Dane Rampe will return to the side after being rested for the derby, though he has no further plans to manage players after a tight turnaround.

Livewire forward Tom Papley - who struggled with a calf issue during pre-season - was among the players to receive attention from trainers on Tuesday, alongside Isaac Heeney.

But midfielder Taylor Adams is no closer to playing in his first game since round 13 last year after re-injuring his hamstring.

Playing just four games last season, the 32-year-old's pre-season was also interrupted by an Achilles injury.

"We're going to work out now the process about how long it is, time frame and also the rehab plan," Cox said.

"It's devastating, and we'll work through what that process looks like.

"Unfortunate for Taylor and the footy club."