Sydney Swans defender Nic Newman has escaped serious injury following his collision with Kurt Tippett in last weekend’s clash with Fremantle.
Newman suffered a hyperextension of the knee when Tippett barrelled into the left-footer’s legs while tackling an opponent during the third quarter of Saturday’s win, forcing the 24-year-old from the SCG in the hands of trainers.
He was treated on the bench but signs looked positive when Newman progressed from a heavy limp to break into a jog along the boundary line in an effort to re-join the play.
But the medical staff took the conservative approach and called an early end to Newman’s afternoon.
Head of Football Tom Harley said while the “friendly fire” was unfortunate, they’re breathing a sigh of relief a grimmer outcome was avoided given Newman is still well in the mix to take on Adelaide.
“He had scans straight after the game,” Harley revealed in Tuesday’s HCF Injury Update.
“There’s no structural damage which is positive so it’ll be a pain management issue with Nic.
“We’ll assess him on Wednesday in the hope of getting him up for Friday.”
As the week goes on, the more Josh Kennedy looks a likely starter for the blockbuster match at Adelaide Oval.
He’s missed the past fortnight with a minor hamstring strain but, pending a final fitness test on Wednesday, is expected to board the flight to take on the ladder-leaders.
“Josh is tracking really well, he was touch and go last week so barring any hiccup we absolutely expect him to play this week,” Harley added.
“Obviously we don’t want to push it too hard, too early, with any player really but certainly not with the captain of the footy club.
“He was like a caged lion watching on Saturday so we’re expecting Josh to play providing he can get through training on Wednesday.”
Meanwhile, ruckman Sam Naismith will also need to jump a final hurdle on Wednesday to determine whether he’ll join the trip to Adelaide.
He’s also missed the past fortnight with a side strain, of which will be put to the test during the team’s main session.
