SYDNEY'S injury crisis has hit new levels with co-captain Dane Rampe ruled out for the remainder of the season and top midfielder George Hewett (back) unlikely to be seen again in 2020.
Small forward Ben Ronke and half-back Ryley Stoddart's campaigns are also over due to back injuries, along with Isaac Heeney, Sam Naismith, Harry Reynolds and the suspended Elijah Taylor.
Rampe had been playing with a fractured hand since late July, having injured himself in the side's narrow victory over Hawthorn in round eight.
The tough defender made it through four games with the injury, even producing a dominant display in last Thursday's shock victory over Greater Western Sydney, before scans on Monday night revealed a further setback.
Sydney coach John Longmire said on Tuesday: "He had the plate inserted in that hand and he was given the all-clear to play.
"Last night he had a scan and we found out that the plate has been dislodged again, so he'll be out for the rest of the season. It's obviously very important that he gets that right now, so it's really unfortunate.
"I think it's our ninth player ruled out for the season, so it's unfortunate. He's obviously one of our most important players and he's our co-captain, so it's disappointing for him."
Rampe had played the last three matches wearing a protective glove, with Sydney suggesting that its co-captain had been hopeful of playing out the season even despite the latest setback.
However, with the Swans two games and percentage away from securing an unlikely finals berth – and with just six games remaining in their campaign – the club made the decision not to risk Rampe's injury any further.
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"He was given the all-clear in that first week to come back," Longmire said.
"In the end, he's too important to us for him to keep playing and to put any sort of risk to that hand. We got to the point where once we found out the news on the scan, the decision gets made for us."
The Swans are yet to see their superstar forward Lance Franklin this season and warrior midfielder Josh Kennedy has been out with a knee injury since the six clash against Richmond.