Swans’ Talia out for at least eight weeks

New Sydney recruit Michael Talia will be sidelined for at least two months, but the Swans have received good fitness news about two of their biggest AFL stars Lance Franklin and Dan Hannebery.

Former Bulldogs back Talia suffered a serious foot injury on his Swans’ debut near the end of their 80-point opening-round home win over Collingwood last Saturday.

The Swans have a ready-made replacement, with veteran fullback Ted Richards making a successful comeback from a calf injury in a NEAFL practice match last weekend.

Forward Franklin and midfielder Hannebery will both be available for Sunday’s clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium after being in the wars last Saturday.

Hannebery suffered mild concussion and Franklin took a shoulder knock.

Swans coach John Longmire said at the post-match press conference he thought Talia had just rolled an ankle in the final quarter of the blowout win.

However, scans revealed the injury was far more significant.

“Michael suffered quite a serious foot injury toward the end of the game, to his Lisfranc ligament, they call it the ACL of the foot,” Swans general manger of football Tom Harley said on the club’s website.

“He’s suffered a partial tear in that and also some bone displacement in his foot.

“He’ll be out for eight weeks and potentially up to 12, so it’s disappointing news for Mick.”

Richards is available and has some match fitness under his belt after playing three quarters last weekend.

Midfielder-forward Ben McGlynn is also expected to come under consideration after he made his comeback from a calf problem in the same NEAFL practice match.

Ruckman Sam Naismith’s run of unfortunate luck continued after he broke a hand at training the same week he was due to return from injury.

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