Swans star Papley out for start of season

Sydney have been dealt a massive blow with dynamic forward Tom Papley ruled out for the start of the AFL season.

Papley suffered a moderate hamstring injury in the Swans' practice match against GWS on Friday.

The 25-year-old will be out for four-to-six weeks, meaning he will miss at least the round one clash with the Giants at Stadium Australia on March 19.

Papley secured his first All-Australian jacket last year after booting 43 goals.

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He has slotted 189 goals in 122 games after debuting in the opening round in 2016.

Sydney will be desperate to atone for their heartbreaking one-point loss against their cross-town rivals in last year's elimination final.

Increased attention will be on Lance Franklin, with the superstar veteran needing just five goals to reach 1000 majors for his career.