LUKE Parker is likely to miss the Sydney Swans' final pre-season hit-out against the Brisbane Lions next week due to the eye injury he suffered in Thursday night's NAB Challenge loss to West Coast.
The tough young midfielder took a knock to the eye in the first quarter in Blacktown and took no further part before being taken to hospital.
The 21-year-old's vision is OK, but he has some bleeding at the front of the eye and is unlikely to make the trip north to face the Lions on March 8.
Coach John Longmire is hopeful Parker will be ready for round one against Greater Western Sydney.
“Thankfully the back of his eye seems OK and he will just require some rest as the blood at the front of his eye settles down,” Longmire said.
“Luke has had a great pre-season and if he is unavailable next weekend in Brisbane, we hope to have him return for round one.”
The Swans should welcome back a host of stars to take on the Lions after a number were rested against West Coast.
Jarrad McVeigh, Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack, Ted Richards and Ben McGlynn are all expected to line-up for the match in Burpengary, 35km north of Brisbane.
Kurt Tippett and Adam Goodes remain sidelined with knee injuries, while Alex Johnson has been taking part in more training drills but is also unlikely to feature against the Lions.
The club will also keep an eye on Tom Mitchell, who was named an emergency for the clash with West Coast.
As part of his question and answer session on Twitter today, Longmire revealed Mitchell is carrying a minor injury.
"He didn't play last night due to a sore calf," Longmire tweeted in response to a fan question.
"As he plays a really contested style, we have to be mindful of his workload."
Longmire also said Johnson's ongoing recovery means former Carlton defender Jeremy Laidler, who has enjoyed a solid first pre-season in Swans' colours, has a chance of making his best 22.
Already in major doubt for round one, Tippett started running again on Thursday and the club won't know the status of his knee injury until closer to the season start.
Longmire kept his cards close to hischest when it comes to his ruck options, saying it will change depending onavailability and the opposition, with Tippett, Tom Derickx, Sam Naismith and Toby Nankervis in contention to partner Mike Pyke.
McVeigh is also a "big chance " of continuing the defensive role he filled so well last year, while Brandon Jack might again find himself in the green substitute's vest at times throughout the season.
"As he can provide real speed, I imagine he'll still be used at times in that role," Longmire wrote.
"But he's certainly had a good pre-season."
