Sydney Swans coach John Longmire is hopeful that Alex Johnson’s latest injury setback is only minor, and he can hopefully push towards senior selection during 2018.
The 25-year-old has not played at AFL level since the Swans 2012 Grand Final victory, having undergone five knee reconstructions, before returning to the NEAFL in the back half of 2017.
The defender has undergone adductor surgery and is likely to back up and running within six weeks, and Longmire told SEN’s Whateley while it’s disappointing Johnson won’t be able to play during the pre-season, the club is confident he will make a quick recovery.
“Hopefully it’s only minor,” he said.
“It would’ve been great for him to be able to play in the pre-season things because he’s missed so much football.
“Once he gets over that disappointment he will be right back into training in a month’s time and going again.
“He had a pretty good pre-Christmas period, so it is a little setback for him. He doesn’t need any more operations, but we’re confident he will get over it.
Johnson was delisted at the end of 2017, but was re-drafted and placed on the rookie list and Longmire is very hopeful he can make a long awaited return to senior footy.
“We’re understanding he’s had some significant challenges, but we’re hopeful he will get back and we’re in the same position as what we were in last year when we rookie listed him,” he said.