Matthew Lloyd believes Sydney should send star midfielder Errol Gulden for shoulder surgery, according to reporting from the Sydney Morning Herald.
Gulden injured his shoulder in a tackle during Sydney's win over Brisbane Lions in Round 1 of the 2026 season. The Swans kicked the first seven goals of Saturday's game on their way to a second home victory, winning 15.14 (104) to 8.12 (60), but the dominant performance was tempered by late injuries to key players.
Gulden was crunched in a tackle from Lincoln McCarthy and hit the turf hard, immediately wincing in pain. He was able to walk from the field, but went down to the rooms for further assessment. He later returned to the bench with a tracksuit on and his arm in a sling.
Lloyd's position on early intervention reflects concerns about Gulden's recent injury history. Gulden missed the first half of last season after suffering an ankle injury during a practice match. He returned to play 10 games with the Swans winning seven of them. He looked set for a big year in 2026 after a faultless pre-season and a brilliant performance in the Opening Round win over Carlton.
Sydney's medical staff will now assess the full extent of Gulden's shoulder damage. The decision on treatment options, whether surgical or conservative, will depend on the scans and specialist assessment in the coming days. A club official indicated they would assess the injury in the next couple of days and work out if there is any damage, and if not, he would get on the plane to face Hawthorn.
The timing of the injury comes as the Swans make a strong start to the season, having won their opening two matches. Gulden's absence would create a significant gap in the midfield given his status as a dual All-Australian and one of the club's most important players.