Just when we thought the injury calamity had made a turn for the better, it has returned with all its power. Reigning best and fairest winner David Swallow has re-aggravated his posterior cruciate ligament and will miss the remainder of the season, re-joining an exodus of midfield class in the medical room.
 
Football is a cruel game at the best of times, but when you consider Swallow just returned after a ten-week absence a fortnight ago, the football gods have not been kind this year. The West Australian teased us in his return game against North Melbourne, providing plenty of grunt and class – two ingredients the engine room inside Metricon Stadium desperately need.
 
Along with Swallow, Seb Tape is the other confirmed casualty out of last weekend’s loss to the Western Bulldogs in Cairns, with the utility suffering another hamstring string. Key forward Charlie Dixon remains a chance to play despite being substituted out of his second game in three starts with an ankle injury.
 
After missing the game at Cazaly’s Stadium – just his second since debuting in round one – dashing defender Adam Saad is considered a strong chance to return from a groin injury. The SUNS lacked Saad’s run against a speedy Bulldogs outfit, particularly in the second-half when Rodney Eade’s side ran out of legs and tried to hold on for dear life.
 
If Dixon fails to get up for Saturday afternoon’s clash with expansion rivals Greater Western Sydney, his replacement will have well and truly earned a recall to the SUNS forward line.
 
Since tasting senior football in rounds 11 and 12, Peter Wright has returned to the NEAFL and stepped up a level. Last year’s pick No. 8 has booted 13 goals in the three games, including a big bag of six against Sydney University a fortnight ago. Wright has all the hallmarks of a ten-year player and has begun to carve out some strong four-quarter performances in the last month.
 
Veteran midfielder Andrew Raines put his hand up for a return to the seniors after another typical hard working performance against Southport on the weekend. The midfielder was the SUNS leading ball winner with 26 disposals, to go with five forward 50 entries, and could be brought back in to combat some of the Giants star onballers.
 
Zac Smith earned the maximum votes in the NEAFL Most Valuable Player Award on the back of his strong performance against the Sharks. The ruckman has not played at senior level since being omitted after the loss to West Coast in Perth back in round seven, but he put his hand up for another opportunity following his 21 possession, three goal, 12 mark and 27 hitout performance.
 
After being left out of the travelling party to Cairns, Andrew Boston responded strongly, collecting 21 possessions, seven inside 50s, six clearances and five rebound 50s to be one of the key contributors in the reserves victory. With Swallow out, Boston may be the man to replace the injured star.
 
Mature-aged rookie Josh Glenn tasted two games of senior experience between rounds five and six and may be edging closer to another opportunity following his eye catching performance in the NEAFL. The South Australian was one of the more prolific players against the Sharks, collecting 24 disposals to put his hand up for a recall to the senior 22.