Sydney Swans draftee Jesse Dattoli out of action for four months

Sydney Swans draftee Jesse Dattoli has suffered a major setback just a month into his AFL career after being sidelined with a lumbar stress reaction in his lower back.

The small forward was taken at pick 22 in the 2025 AFL draft, Sydney’s first overall pick, and had begun training with the Swans.

But the injury has been detected and could keep the 18-year-old out of action for up to four months.

Dattoli will not run for six weeks while he recovers and will undergo rehabilitation immediately.

“Jesse reported some low-grade back pain earlier this week and scans have revealed he has developed a stress injury in his lower back,” Swans head of physiotherapy Damian Raper said.

“He will have a break over Christmas before commencing off legs strength and conditioning work in the new year.”

It continues a tumultuous off-season for the Swans that included premiership-winning coach John Longmire quitting as coach after 14 seasons.

He has been replaced by long-time time senior assistant Dean Cox.

Dattoli was one of four players taken by the Swans in the draft along with Ned Bowman, Riley Bice and Riak Andrew.