Scans have confirmed that Sydney Swans defender Alex Johnson ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in Sunday’s win against Melbourne, while Nick Smith will miss the next six weeks with a hamstring tendon injury.

Johnson sustained the injury in the opening quarter in what was his second AFL game back since the 2012 Grand Final.

Sydney Swans Head of Football Tom Harley said scans have confirmed the 26-year-old has ruptured his ACL.

“Clearly this is a really disappointing outcome for Alex,” Harley said.

“Alex has worked so hard over the past six years to get back to playing football and for this to happen in his second game back is just shattering for him and for us.

“Alex has shown unbelievable resilience and determination over his career and will continue to be an inspiration to his teammates and the wider AFL community.

“As we saw after the injury on Sunday, Alex is the ultimate clubman and will be doing all he can to support his teammates from the sidelines for the remainder of the season."

Johnson and the club will work through the next steps in the coming days.



Meanwhile, 211-game veteran Smith will miss the next six weeks after also sustaining an injury in the first quarter of Sunday's match.



Harley said it's an unfortunate setback for the defender.



"Nick's got a hamstring tendon injury, at this early stage it looks like six weeks for Nick which obviously makes the season challenging," Harley said.



"He had a scan yesterday, we'll gather all of the facts as to the next steps with Nick.

“Clearly it was disappointing he wasn't able to play any further part in the game on Sunday and it looks like he'll be having an extended period on the sidelines also."