SYDNEY has been dealt a massive blow as midfielder Errol Gulden suffers what appears to be a serious ankle injury during the AFL pre-season match against the Gold Coast Suns on February 28, 2025. The talented dual All-Australian player twisted his ankle awkwardly after being tackled by Will Graham within the game's first quarter, falling to the ground as trainers rushed to help him.
Gulden's immediate agony signaled potential severity, with speculation pointing toward the possibility of a syndesmosis injury. Following the incident at People First Stadium, he was swiftly taken off the ground and sent to the hospital for scans amid concerns about his availability for the upcoming season opener against Hawthorn.
Swans football boss Leon Cameron discussed the situation at halftime, expressing disappointment and stating, "It is disappointing, he's off getting some scans at the local hospital. We won't get those results back for another 24 hours. He's in a bit of pain." This uncertainty loomed heavily over the team's preparations as they faced the prospect of playing their first match without one of their key players.
Adding insult to injury, the Suns endured their own setbacks during the match, which ended with the Swans triumphing 12.12 (84) to 8.15 (63). Gold Coast lost Mac Andrew just seconds after the match commenced, as he suffered a chest injury from colliding with Sydney's Taylor Adams. Other Suns players, including Charlie Ballard (ankle), David Swallow (knee), and Lachie Weller (hamstring), also sustained injuries, leading to their early departures from the game.
Both teams faced mounting injury concerns, with Sydney already missing several notable players. Ruckman Brodie Grundy and captain Callum Mills, hampered by foot issues, were unavailable for the match, adding to the defensive woes. The inclusion of various key players was dependent on their injury statuses, which left the Swans focused on seeing who would recover just days before the season.
The loss of Gulden is particularly acute for Sydney as he has established himself as one of the league's rising stars. With two All-Australian selections under his belt, the young midfielder's absence would significantly diminish the Swans' competitive edge and depth.
Despite the injuries, Sydney managed to kick off the game strongly, scoring the first four goals. Former defender Tom McCartin made the most of his role as forward, contributing significantly by kicking four goals himself. Alongside him, midfielders Matt Roberts and James Jordon showcased their skills, bringing attention to the Swans’ potential for overcoming injuries if they can adapt swiftly.
Coach Damien Hardwick from the Suns reflected on the injury chaos, stating, "It was a bit of a night of carnage, unfortunately, for us - it's hard to sit there and take a little bit out of the game when you're trying to put pieces of the puzzle together. A tough night." His sentiments encapsulated the gloomy atmosphere surrounding both clubs as they managed through the fallout of pre-season injuries.
The Swans' support staff has emphasized the urgency of addressing these medical issues, with expectations riding high for the team to recover quickly as they prepare for their opening match. Gulden's scans would reveal the full extent of his injury and whether he would be available to play.
Meanwhile, Port Adelaide confirmed earlier the same day their star, Zak Butters, would be sidelined for at least six weeks following knee surgery, and the Western Bulldogs' captain, Marcus Bontempelli, is also expected to face significant time out due to a complex calf injury sustained during his team's pre-season match. Such incidents have severely impacted the competitive balance as clubs seek to finalize their squads before the season fully kicks off.
Butters, who underwent surgery after experiencing pain related to knee injury, is expected to be back later than anticipated. Port Adelaide’s vice-captain and dual All-Australian had been projected to play significant roles. He expressed his resolve, with assistant coach Chad Cornes mentioning, "He'll get on with business and be attacking his rehab as best as anyone would or could. He was down when he heard the news, but he’s determined to get back sooner rather than later."
Meanwhile, Bontempelli’s injury prompted substantial concern within the Bulldogs' ranks, as the club's head of sports medicine, Chris Bell, explained the complexity of the calf issue. The injury will necessitate careful management moving forward. Bell noted, "Unfortunately, the structures involved with this injury are prone to having recurrent issues, so we will need to follow a conservative management timeline to give Marcus the best chance of having a successful season."
With each of these injuries, the emphasis is now firmly on the resilience and adaptability of the teams involved. Will there be enough depth to support their ambitions as the season looms? The responses and preparations of Sydney, Gold Coast, Port Adelaide, and Western Bulldogs will define how effective they can be amid their injury woes, especially with Gulden's situation hanging heavily over the Swans.
For Sydney, the injury crisis is not only about individual players but also about team dynamics as they enter the 2025 season. Adaptability and teamwork will be key themes moving forward, particularly as they navigate the uncertainties surrounding player fitness and recovery timelines.
Looking forward, as the clubs prepare for their opening matches, all eyes will be on the injury reports. Crucial decisions await, impacting the careers of some athletes and the prospects of entire teams as they strive for success amid adversity.