AFL

Swans star back for crunch game after lengthy recovery

Jun 23, 2026

Midfield dynamo Errol Gulden. — Midfield dynamo Errol Gulden returns to action for the Swans' blockbuster against Brisbane. -AAP Image

Sydney star Errol Gulden will return after more than three months out as the Swans seek to lock down a top-two AFL spot.

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The hard-running midfielder is a confirmed starter for Thursday night's blockbuster against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

Gulden suffered a dislocated shoulder against the defending premiers in round one and required a reconstruction.

Despite missing one of their star players for more than half the season, the Swans have gone 12-2 to be second on the ladder, 10 points clear of third.

After missing the finals last season, Sydney are all but guaranteed to earn themselves a double chance by finishing inside the top four.

Key defender Tom McCartin could also return against Brisbane after being in concussion protocols.

Veteran defender Dane Rampe will ease back from a calf strain via the VFL this weekend, while dynamic forward Tom Papley is on track to return in two weeks.

For the Lions, important defender Ryan Lester is set to play after recovering from a calf injury, while premiership stars Dayne Zorko (quad) and Hugh McCluggage (calf) will miss at least another week.

At Hawthorn, Jack Gunston remains sidelined with a foot injury and will sit out Friday night's MCG match against GWS, who are also missing a key forward with Jesse Hogan out for an indefinite period with a broken finger.

Struggling Gold Coast have suffered another blow, with dashing defender Daniel Rioli to miss "several weeks" due to a broken jaw.

Rioli was cleaned up by Hawks utility Josh Weddle, who was suspended for three weeks, in the Suns' loss to Hawthorn.

Gold Coast have listed Rioli's time on the sidelines as "medium term", with the Suns refusing to put the number of weeks on their injured players.

Adelaide could welcome back defensive trio Isaac Cumming, Mitch Hinge and Jordon Butt for Saturday night's Showdown against Port Adelaide.

Their fierce rivals are battling on the injury front, having lost defender Esava Ratugolea and Ewan Mackinlay in their defeat to Collingwood, with Jack Lukosius also in doubt to take on the Crows.

Last-placed Essendon are set to welcome back captain Andrew McGrath, forward Isaac Kako and midfielder Jye Caldwell for their match against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

The Kangaroos will be without star ruck Tristan Xerri, who suffered a fractured jaw in the defeat of Richmond on Sunday.