SYDNEY Swans forward Sam Reid will have surgery on his Achilles tendon on Saturday, but the club hasn't ruled out the possibility of a shock comeback later this year.
Reid, 24, has not played a senior game this season after struggling with issues to his Achilles, hamstring and calf that have prevented him from training with the main group.
"We have consulted widely with numerous experts to find a way to progress Sam's rehab, and we have now determined that surgery will be the best option," Swans football manager Tom Harley told sydneyswans.com.au.
"Sam will undergo a procedure to address an injury to his Achilles tendon that is preventing him from reaching 100 per cent function.
"Post-surgery, Sam will immediately begin rehabilitation and then we will review his progress to running and skills.
"A final decision regarding Sam's potential to play this season will be made in the coming weeks."
Reid tore his hamstring in last year's qualifying final loss to Fremantle and lined up in an intraclub game in February.
He lined up in three consecutive NEAFL matches midway through the season but has not taken part in a match since.
The Swans have fellow talls Kurt Tippett (hamstring) and Callum Sinclair (knee) on the sidelines, but they are both due back before finals begin.
