Sydney key defender Tom McCartin has been withdrawn from Friday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs due to gastro.

McCartin is arguably the Swans’ most important defender and, with the prospect boom Bulldogs superstar Sam Darcy to contend with, his omission couldn’t be less timely for the home side.

“Confirmation that Tom McCartin is a late out with gastro,” 7NEWS Melbourne’s Xander McGuire confirmed.

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It meant Swans coach Dean Cox had to spin the magnets and give Lewis Melican the job on Darcy.

Aaron Francis, who has been playing largely as a forward in recent weeks, was moved back to play on Aaron Naughton.

“Jack Buller in for his second game,” McGuire added.

“Throws the Sam Darcy matchup into disarray, with Aaron Francis likely to go back.”

Sydney announced McCartin’s omission with less than an hour before the first bounce.

Meantime at the other end of the ground, Bulldogs defender Rory Lobb will wear an AFL-approved blue glove to protect a hand injury.

Rory Lobb will wear a blue glove tonight to protect his hand which has copped several knocks over the past fortnight,” McGuire said before the game.

“The glove and the colour have both been ticked off by the AFL — and remains in keeping with his flashy style in 2025!”

More to come ...