SYDNEY small forward Tom Papley has been placed on the long-term injury list and will miss at least the opening round of the home and away season after further knee surgery.

Papley, 20, had been recovering from an operation last December to relieve bilateral compartment syndrome but felt further knee pain and went under the knife on Thursday.

Since he has been placed on the long-term injury list, Papley cannot play football for eight weeks, meaning he will certainly miss the round one clash against Port Adelaide at the SCG on Saturday, March 25.

Swans football manager Tom Harley told sydneyswans.com.au the club had taken into account Papley's recovery from his initial operation when deciding upon further surgery.

"While it's disappointing for Tom to have an interrupted pre-season, we expect him to recover quickly from this latest surgery and return to playing from as early as round two," Harley said.



"Part of the consideration to operate certainly included where Tom is at with regard to his recovery from compartment syndrome.

"We are very confident that by addressing his knee now with minor arthroscopic surgery, he will have the best chance to make an impact when he returns.



"Tom is extremely diligent in his rehab and we've got no doubt he'll be doing everything possible to overcome this setback and contribute for the team early this season."

Papley kicked 29 goals from 20 games in his debut season after being picked up in the 2015 rookie draft, and was a member of the Swans' 2016 Grand Final team.